Sri Lanka customs
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Get import & export customs regulations, restricted items and food restrictions before travelling to Sri Lanka. Items allowed to import is 250mL Eau de Toilette. Prohibited items is Articles which bear an imprint or inscription of a religious picture, emblem or title and is derogatory to any religious teachings. Some of restricted items are Beedies and beedy tobacco require a licence issued by the Principal Collector of Customs.
Import Regulations
Free to import items into Sri Lanka
Other items
- 250mL Eau de Toilette.
- Small quantity of perfume and souvenirs for personal use with a value not exceeding US$250.
Prohibited items into Sri Lanka
- Articles which bear an imprint or inscription of a religious picture, emblem or title and is derogatory to any religious teachings.
- Any book or pamphlet which contains disparaging and insulting references to any religious teacher or teachings.
- Any newspaper, pamphlet, leaflet or book containing mater calculated to lead to acts made punishable under section 120 of the Penal Code.
- Appliances for discharging gas (unless imported on behalf of the government).
- Chinese crackers considered dangerous by the Collector of Customs.
- Counterfeit currency and goods.
- Fake and disguised guns which may be easily converted into lethal weapons.
- Fish, grain, and other articles in a condition unfit for food and legitimate use, or which may be likely to cause sickness.
- Indecent or obscene prints and other media.
- Japanese shaving brushes.
- Lottery tickets.
- Mattur dhal (Lathyrus Suitvus), otherwise known as Kesari dhal.
- Milk condensed which contains less than 31% of milk solids (including less than 9% of milk fat).
- Swordsticks and other articles which, in the opinion of the Principal Collector of Customs, are so designed or constructed as to disguise the fact that they are capable of being used or adapted for use as knives or swords or other instruments for cutting and stabbing.
- Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
Restricted items into Sri Lanka
- Beedies and beedy tobacco require a licence issued by the Principal Collector of Customs.
- Eggs may only be imported if they are stamped with the country of origin.
- Medication for venereal disease may only be imported by a registered medical practitioner, a wholesale or retail chemist, or a person who has obtained the written sanction require the purposes of the proviso to section 3 of the Venereal Diseases Ordinance.
- The import of pets is subject to certain restrictions. For further information, please visit theDepartment of Animal Product and Health - Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka travel details
Export Regulations
Free to export items from Sri Lanka
No rules presentProhibited items from Sri Lanka
- Any part of the Cinchona tree.
- Tea declared by the Collector of Customs to be unfit for export.
Restricted items from Sri Lanka
- Wild cinnamon may only be exported under a licence issued by the Director of Commerce.
- Antiques may require approval from theArchaeological Department.
- Protected species and products protected under CITES. A permit is required for export.
- Firearms and ammunition may require approval from the Ministry of Defence.
- Timber and wooden articles may require approval from the Department of Forest Conservation.
- Readymade garments may require approval from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
- Coconuts and their derivative products may require approval from the Coconut Development Authority.
Sri Lanka visa advice
If you're considering exploring Sri Lanka beyond the usual transit spots, our comprehensive guide on Sri Lanka transit visa offers deeper insights and broader options for travelers of different nationalities. For those transiting through other countries en route to Sri Lanka, understanding Sri Lanka Transit Visa requirements is crucial to ensure a smooth journey.