Clearence of Relief Equipment/Material for Relief and Rescue Operations in Sri Lanka

The Government of Sri Lanka has introduced a more convenient procedure to expedite the clearance and distribution of all material aid sent to the country, free of all tariffs and charges. Guidelines related to such donations can be obtained by visiting the website www.customs.gov.lk and detailed information on the types of essential goods and materials that can be donated is available on www.donate.gov.lk.

Please find below guidelines received from Sri Lanka Customs for clearance of cargo sent to Sri Lanka for humanitarian assistance:

What are the goods that can be donated?

A list of items depending on the existing requirements has been prepared and published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This list can be accessed through https://mfa.gov.lk/en/

While appreciating the donations, please note that certain goods are regulated under various regulations to meet national requirements such as quality, standards and fitness for human consumption etc. Donated goods will also be subjected to these requirements. However, in the event of such goods being received, respective regulatory authority shall inspect the same and authorize the clearance, only if they meet the regulatory requirements.

How to send the donations to Sri Lanka?

Any individual or organization could send relief items (as above) to the country using any mode of transport. Please be advised that in order to avail of the duty-free clearance, the relief consignments should be addressed to the following consignee:

Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Disaster Management Center (DMC), Vidya Mawatha, Colombo 07.

For smooth and expeditious clearance process, please include a List of Items with the quantity and estimated value for Customs purposes and email to DMC prior to departure of shipment from sending country. (email and contact details of DMC can be found at the end of this document)

Relief consignments could be sent from Individuals/Organizations:

– Consigned to Disaster Management Center

– Consigned to individuals and organizations in Sri Lanka.

How to clear the donations from Sri Lanka Customs?

Consignments from Individuals/Organizations:

Consigned to DMC : DMC will undertake clearance on duty free basis.
Consigned to individuals and organizations:
If the local recipient agrees to transfer ownership to DMC, clearance will be undertaken by DMC on duty free basis. All other charges relevant to the consignment such as freight (if not prepaid), local shipping line charges, handling charges at the point of clearance etc. should be borne by the respective.
If the recipient wishes to clear under their own name or organization, such goods shall be cleared by the respective consignee on payment of all applicable levies. Therefore, it is advised that all relief consignments be consigned to the DMC for duty free clearance..