Import Regulations – Sri Lanka

Two-way trade between Australia and Sri Lanka in the 2007 calendar year was valued at $ 232 million per annum. Australia's main merchandise exports to Sri Lanka are vegetables and dairy products. Tea and other food products, as well as textiles, clothing, rubber tyres and articles of iron and steel are Australia's main imports from Sri Lanka.   

Product certification, labelling and packaging
Meat and meat products require sanitary certificates issued by the approved authority in Australia.

Plants require phytosanitary certificates.

Second-hand equipment must be accompanied by a certificate of valuation.

Used clothing, raw cotton and cottonseed must have certificates of fumigation.

Packing should be strong and should guard against extreme heat in summer, humidity in winter and possible storage in the open. It is recommended to use steel strapping.

An indelible marking of origin (eg. Made in Australia) must appear on all goods and their immediate containers.

Containers of liquids must be marked in the metric equivalent of imperial gallons.

English language is accepted for labeling of consumer goods but local languages are essential on any products aimed at the mass market.

Documentary requirements
2 copies of commercial invoice are required. The document must indicate:
• country of origin;
• full description of goods, including the HS number;
• brand marks, eg. make, model;
• positive reference by order number or correspondence with supplier;
• freight and insurance values;
• whether the price is CIF or FOB (Incoterms 1990);
• packaging details indicating dimensions and weights, unless provided for inseparate packing list;
• type and amount of discount given.

If packing list is requested, 2 copies are recommended.

Public health requirements
Drugs and pharmaceuticals are subject to strict controls.
Edible fats, oils, milk and dairy products and the use of preservatives, colours and artificial sweeteners in foodstuffs are subject to specific regulations.

Livestock require special import permits issued by the Chief Government Veterinary Surgeon of Sri Lanka. Special import permits must be obtained from the Director of Agriculture.