FedEx - Shipping Guide - Import Guidelines

Get help with Customs procedures, limitations and restrictions. Prepare your shipment properly.

All shipments crossing international borders must be cleared through Customs in the destination country prior to being delivered to the recipient. Unless the sender specified a broker, FedEx submits shipments to Customs and other regulatory agencies. It is the sender's responsibility to provide the necessary and correct documentation. Shipments that require more than the FedEx International Air Waybill and Commercial Invoice may require more transit time. If shipments are held by Customs because of incorrect or missing documentation we may first attempt to notify the recipient.

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Sri Lanka Import Clearance Process

When Shipping to Sri Lanka, clearance through Customs depends on whether you're shipping:

Documents with no commercial value
Dutiable goods

For shipments where clearance is required, Sri Lanka Customs Authority requires 15% Value Added Tax (VAT) and 1% Port and Aviation Levy (PAL) for all non-document shipments. Depending on the commodity, duties and taxes will also be added prior to release.

Personal shipments of over LKR10,000 (CIF) in value will be detained at Customs and require a VAT registration number and formal clearance.

If shipments are valued at over US $1,000, a transaction or bank endorsement certificate is required for Customs clearance.

Tips

	Make sure your commodity is acceptable for shipment via the FedEx service you've selected.
	Visit your country's web site to see what items are forbidden for export from your country.

Import Prohibitions and Restrictions

Certain items are prohibited by Customs for import to Sri Lanka. These items are in addition to items forbidden by IATA. Senders are responsible for making sure that the goods they are shipping are acceptable for shipment to Sri Lanka.

Forbidden for Import to Sri Lanka

Cash and cash equivalents
Dangerous goods as defined by IATA
Furs

Restrictions for Import to Sri Lanka

Pre-alerts are required for jewelry, gold, precious metals, and precious stones shipments of value over US $1000.
Medical products and prescription drugs require approval from the Cosmetic Drug Device Authority and Import License.
Wireless and mobile telephones require approval from the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission.

Tip

Make sure your documents are always filled out consistently and accurately. Inconsistencies can cause delays.

Documents

Required Documentation

Required documentation varies according to the following factors::

Whether you are shipping documents with no Declared value. These shipments require only the fully completed FedEx International Air Waybill.
If you are shipping documents with a Declared value or dutiable goods, we require a FedEx International Air Waybill and a Commercial Invoice.
If you are shipping non-hazardous chemicals containing alcohol you need to submit the recipient's import license and documentation of the composition of the chemicals.

Sri Lanka Import Regulations

Take note of the following regulations when importing to Sri Lanka.

The dimensional and weight maximums for import shipments:
- FedEx International Priority: 157 cm (62 in) L, 274 cm (108 in) L & G, 68 kg (150 lb)
An invoice is required for all shipments with a Declared value.
All shipments are subject to duties and taxes.

Regulatory Contact Information

Shipping GuideShipping to Sri Lanka

Shipping Guide
Shipping to Sri Lanka