Customs announces procedure for overseas aid consignments

The Government has introduced measures to streamline the receipt and distribution of humanitarian aid from overseas donors as severe weather continues to disrupt communities across the country.



Customs has announced a simplified procedure to ensure faster clearance and delivery of relief consignments. 

All import duties and related levies on approved donations have been waived to speed up the movement of essential goods to affected regions.

Detailed instructions have also been issued to guide donors on dispatching shipments, including the steps for Customs clearance and the subsequent distribution process. 

The intention is to ensure that relief supplies reach affected households without unnecessary delays.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has published a list of required items, which can be accessed at https://mfa.gov.lk/en/.

While donations are appreciated, certain goods fall under regulatory controls relating to quality, standards, and suitability for human consumption. These items will be inspected by the relevant authorities, and clearance will only be granted if they comply with national requirements.

Individuals and organisations may send eligible relief goods using any mode of transport. To qualify for duty-free clearance, consignments must be addressed to:

Secretary, Ministry of Defence

Disaster Management Centre (DMC)

Vidya Mawatha, Colombo 07

A detailed list of items, quantities, and estimated values should be included for Customs purposes, and donors are advised to email this information to the DMC before the shipment departs from the sending country. (Contact details appear at the end of this notice.)

Relief consignments can be sent under the following categories:

Government-to-Government:

• Diplomatic cargo sent to the respective diplomatic mission in Colombo

• Shipments addressed directly to the Secretary, Ministry of Defence, via the DMC

Individuals/Organisations:

• Consigned to the DMC

• Consigned to individuals or organisations in Sri Lanka

How to clear donations through Sri Lanka Customs: Relief shipments will be processed using a simplified Customs Declaration (CusDec). Dedicated counters and staff have been assigned to expedite both air and sea cargo on a priority basis.

Clearance will take place as follows;

Government-to-Government:

• Diplomatic cargo: cleared by the respective mission with DMC support on a duty-free basis

• Direct consignments to the Secretary, Ministry of Defence: cleared duty-free by the DMC

Individuals/Organisations: 

• Consignments addressed to the DMC: cleared duty-free by the DMC

• Consigned to individuals or organisations:

– If the recipient transfers ownership to the DMC, the DMC will clear the shipment duty-free. All other charges (freight if unpaid, shipping line fees, handling charges, etc.) must be paid by the recipient.

– If the recipient chooses to clear goods under their own name, all applicable levies must be paid. Donors are therefore advised to consign all relief shipments to the DMC to ensure duty-free clearance.

Distribution of relief items: Goods cleared through the DMC will be distributed according to government-approved guidelines.

For further information, contact:

Disaster Management centre

Jagath Mahendra – Deputy Director

Mobile: +94 77 395 7905

Email: [email protected]

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism

Sugeeshwara Gunaratna

Mobile: +94 70 233 8591

Email: [email protected] 

Ms. Anzul Jhan

Mobile: +94 71 249 9254

Email: [email protected]

Sri Lanka Customs

Email: [email protected] 

Hotline: +94 70 475 2823