Sri Lanka Customs has denied claims of introducing a new tax on small parcel imports, clarifying that recent changes are aimed solely at ensuring the correct customs duty is charged based on product value and classification.
Customs Media Spokesman and Additional Director Seevali Arukgoda said that contrary to reports circulating on social media, there has been no increase in tax rates or halting of parcel clearances.
“We are not increasing the duty; we are simply charging the correct amount now. The issue earlier was that many items were undervalued, and taxes were not calculated based on their actual value. We’ve now corrected that,” Arukgoda stated.
He emphasized that customs is not stopping any parcels and that there has been no hike in duty beyond what is stipulated by Parliament. “People claimed duties were higher, but it’s the same approved tax that we are now enforcing properly,” he added.
Arukgoda also noted that the older system, which relied on parcel weight or flat fees, led to misuse and manipulation, particularly with under-invoicing. Sri Lanka Customs has now shifted to a system based on the HS Code (Harmonized System) classification of goods, which better reflects the actual nature and value of each item.
The Customs Department had notified courier companies and importers in advance, giving a month and a half of notice before implementation and providing two weeks to adjust to the new system.
“There is no hold-up at Customs. Anyone who pays the correct duty can collect their parcel without delay. We’ve not imposed any additional duty; we’re just ensuring it’s applied properly,” Arukgoda explained.
He further clarified that recipients of online orders are not required to visit Customs offices themselves, as courier services handle clearance and delivery.
The move comes amid growing concerns over the misuse of small-scale import channels, and the government has pledged to introduce fair exemptions for educational and research-related imports as required. (Newswire)
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