Sri Lanka Customs has issued a warning to the public, urging them not to fall prey to vehicle smugglers amidst the ongoing strict prohibition on vehicle imports. They caution that such activities could lead to significant financial losses and forfeiture of vehicles.
Senior Customs officials have observed a trend where dismantled luxury and high-end vehicles are being shipped into the country as spare parts. These parts are then reassembled into vehicles to evade taxes. Such vehicles are often sold at lower prices, making them attractive to buyers. However, Customs warns the public against engaging in such illegal practices.
The Customs Revenue Task Force has successfully intercepted several attempts to smuggle expensive cars in containers without proper declarations. In the latest incident, a complete Toyota Prius packed in a 40-foot container from Japan was seized.
In recent months, Customs has also confiscated several illegally imported vehicles, including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and hybrid cars. These imports violated both the Customs Ordinance and the Import and Export Control regulations.
The government ban on vehicle imports, enforced since 2020, remains in effect. Importing vehicles without proper permits or failing to declare them to Customs is a punishable offense, with only limited exemptions granted for certain essential vehicle categories.
