Govt. extends 50% Customs duty surcharge on vehicle imports till year end

Saturday, 15 August 2026 00:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Extension effective from 15 August to 31 December
Applies to General and Preferential Customs Import Duty
Covers selected petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric vehicles
LCs opened on or before by 15 May exempt subject to conditions

The Government has extended the temporary 50% surcharge on Customs Import Duty applicable to selected motor vehicle imports until 31 December 2026.

The extension, effective from today, applies to both General and Preferential Customs Import Duty on a range of passenger and goods vehicles, including petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric vehicles.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as Finance, Planning and Economic Development Minister, issued the Order under Section 10A of the Customs Ordinance through Extraordinary Gazette No. 2501/88 dated 13 August.

Vehicles for which Letters of Credit (LCs) were established on or before 15 May 2026 are generally exempt from the surcharge.

However, the surcharge will apply where specified details of those LCs have subsequently been amended, including the number of vehicles, vehicle identification numbers, descriptions, technical specifications or expiry dates.

It will also apply where the shipped-on-board date stated in the Bill of Lading or Airway Bill falls after 15 November 2026. The Order will be effective from 15 August.