What is the age limit for importing Japanese cars to Sri Lanka?

Max 3 years for cars / 5 years for commercial vehicles (rules updated 2024)

Japan Car Import to Sri Lanka — Guide 2026

Q: What documents do I need to import a car from Japan to Sri Lanka?

Original Export Certificate (Deregistration), Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Insurance Certificate, JEVIC Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate, Letter of Credit (LC) — required since 2022, Sri Lanka Customs Declaration (CusDec)

Age Limit

Max 3 years

Manufactured 2023 or later

Import Duty

~200% total

Excise duty + CIF tax + VAT + PAL — total ~150–300% depending on engine CC

Steering Side

RHD

Right-hand drive only. Drives on the left, same as Japan.

Transit Time

14–18 days from Japan

From Japanese port to Sri Lanka

⚠️ Age Compliance Checker

Select your vehicle's manufacture year to check if it meets Sri Lanka's 3-year age limit:

📍 Entry Ports

🚢 Colombo Port 🚢 Hambantota Port

📋 Required Documents

📄Original Export Certificate (Deregistration)

📄Bill of Lading

📄Commercial Invoice

📄Insurance Certificate

📄JEVIC Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate

📄Letter of Credit (LC) — required since 2022

📄Sri Lanka Customs Declaration (CusDec)

🗂 Step-by-Step Import Process

Open Letter of Credit (LC) with a Sri Lankan bank — mandatory

Select RHD vehicle at Japanese auction (verify auction sheet first)

Get JEVIC inspection in Japan

Ship to Colombo or Hambantota

Pay excise duty, CIF tax, VAT and PAL at customs

Get vehicle inspected at Department of Motor Traffic (DMT)

💰 Import Duty & Taxes

Excise duty + CIF tax + VAT + PAL — total ~150–300% depending on engine CC

⚠️ Important: Duty rates change regularly. The figures above are based on 2026 rates and are for guidance only. Always confirm current rates with a licensed customs agent or freight forwarder in Sri Lanka before committing to a purchase.

🚫 Restrictions & Banned Vehicles

⛔Vehicle imports were banned 2020–2024 due to forex crisis. Restrictions partially lifted in 2024–2025 for select categories.

⛔Engine CC limits apply — high-CC vehicles face heavier duty

⛔LHD vehicles cannot be registered

🔍 Pre-shipment Inspection

JEVIC pre-shipment inspection required. Sri Lanka Customs verification on arrival.

🛡️ Safety Guide — Before You Buy

Always verify the auction sheet first. Get the original JP Sheet verification report before committing to any vehicle — confirms grade, mileage, accident history and all damage marks.
Check for flood damage. The Japanese inspector notes the word 冠水 (flood) in the auction sheet notes section. This is only visible with a full translation — never skip translation if buying for an important purpose.
Use a licensed freight forwarder who specifically handles Japan-to-Sri Lanka imports. They know local customs requirements, common delays and documentation pitfalls.
Verify the exporter. Check the company is registered, has verifiable reviews, and provides a full paper trail including export certificate and shipping documents.
Never pay full price before the car ships. A deposit is normal — paying 100% before shipping is a major fraud risk.
Check the chassis number matches across all documents — auction sheet, export certificate, bill of lading and invoice must all carry the same number.

💡 Import Tips for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka import rules changed in 2024 after the forex crisis was eased. LC (Letter of Credit) is mandatory — you cannot pay directly from personal forex. Verify the auction sheet carefully — Sri Lanka customs scrutinise documentation. Hybrid vehicles get duty concessions. Toyota Aqua, Honda Fit Hybrid and Suzuki Wagon R are extremely popular due to fuel efficiency.