How to Import Goods from China to Sri Lanka?
How to import goods from China to Sri Lanka? What are import procedures needed to transport goods in Sri Lanka? Suppose you have an import license and are registered as an importer (with a tax number) operating a business in Sri Lanka. In that case, you can do it yourself by contacting the shipping company and clearing customs through a clearing agent after the goods arrive at Colombo Customs.
Table of Contents
Tax Identification
A tax identification number should be obtained to start importing into Sri Lanka. (TIN number/VAT number) and is required to register as a registered importer with Sri Lanka Customs.
Sri Lanka Customs is under the Ministry of Finance and Mass Media and is responsible for promoting legitimate trade, facilitating international trade, collecting revenue, collecting import and export data, etc. In Sri Lanka, the goods declaration form is called CUSDEC, which is the customs declaration of goods.
Direct Trade Import (DTI)
Importers need to declare imported goods through DTI.
Processing automation is now fully implemented through “Asycuda World” to facilitate importers process CUSDEC without delay.
Any delayed filing or lack of documentation can delay the customs clearance process, and therefore, the importer should incur demurrage charges on imported goods. The efficiency of the customs clearance process depends on the availability of valid documents, the accuracy of the information provided in the documents, and the timeliness of submitting the documents and submitting the necessary customs clearance applications.
In most cases, imports from all countries go through three stages. One-time registration, handling import license, import documents and import customs clearance procedures. Point-by-point data for these three import stages has been independently specified on this website.
How to Register as an Sri Lanka Importer or Exporter?
Step 1: Obtain the application
Step 2: Get enrolled in the ASYCUDA system.
Step 3: Collect all required documents.
Step 4: Take a few copies
Step 5: Submit your application
How to Import from China to Sri Lanka?
when you buy from China to Sri Lanka, you can take follow steps to talk with your suppliers.
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Check the Certificates.
For example, the European Union requires electronic products to obtain CE and RoHs certification, battery products require MSDS, and the Indian government requires products such as chargers to obtain BIS certification.
What is the role of HS codes?
Understanding the role of HS Codes is a crucial part of becoming an importer or an exporter. HS (Harmonized System) codes are unique, internationally recognized 8-digit codes maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO). You will come across HS codes often, especially during international trade processes, such as making declarations, paying customs duties and tariffs, and following import and export license requirements.
The main use of HS Codes is to provide a standardized way for customs agencies to quickly identify various products being imported and exported.
To find the HS code for the types of goods you want to import or export, you can use the Sri Lanka HS Code Finder created by Sri Lanka Customs.
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Find a Supplier.
Once you find the products you want to import, the next step is find a Chinese wholesaler and obtain a sample. Samples should be shipped by air – DHL, FedEx, TNT, or post.
What are the goods you can import from China to Sri Lanka?
Once you register as an importer with Sri Lanka Customs, you’ll be able to import many items without any additional requirements. However, there are certain goods for which you will require an import license or will only be able to import temporarily.
To check if the items you want to import requires an import license or are importable only under temporary conditions, enter the item’s HS code into the Commodity Search page on the Sri Lanka trade information website.
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Quote the Production Price and Delivery Time.
If you don’t have a purchasing plan, your suppliers may only quote ex-works prices, not CIF prices.
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Discuss the Payment.
Chinese sellers will accept wire transfers, PayPal and other methods. Please make sure you have a business account for the transfer.
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Find a Import Agent
Bear in mind that you will need a lot of documentation for your shipment. Feel free to get in touch with us, we can deal with all the documents, refers to the official forms and others paperwork required for shipping to Sri Lanka and customs services.
Import from China to Sri Lanka Hosted.
If you do not have an import license and are not familiar with the import goods from China to Sri Lanka process, then we can help you import from China to Sri Lanka in our name (mainly through Shanghai/Ningbo Port), clear the goods on our behalf, and let you pick up the goods after the container arrives at our yard.
Everything is done in our name. You don’t have to worry about anything. As a sourcing company, we already have a handful of other customers who are not in the import business and import through us.
Is that mean you will collect payment from the purchaser in Sri Lanka and then pay it to the seller in China in USD/RMB? The only thing i concern is the payment.
yes, most of our customers let us do this. you can tell us more details here: https://www.supplyia.com/our-services/start-product-sourcing/