Govt. to lift ban on all vehicle imports from 1 October

• Import of personal usage motor vehicles (including cars, vans, sports utility vehicles, pickups, etc.) only from 1 February 2025
• Move comes after four years of stringent restrictions imposed to safeguard country’s foreign exchange reserves post-COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis
• New import policy will prioritise environmentally friendly vehicles and also promote electric vehicles, especially local assembly of electric three-wheelers, while disallowing import of petrol or diesel-powered three-wheelers

In a significant move the Government yesterday announced the lifting of the temporary suspension on motor vehicle imports, effective 1 October 2024. 

This decision comes after over four years of stringent import restrictions that were initially imposed to safeguard the country’s foreign exchange reserves during the economic crisis, a statement from the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

The import ban, introduced in March 2020, was aimed at curbing the outflow of foreign exchange amidst the country’s deepening economic troubles. With this ban now lifted, Sri Lanka will begin importing motor vehicles again, starting in stages, as part of a broader economic recovery strategy tied to the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) Program of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

PMD said having considered the current economic and environmental factors, the Government has decided to make the following proposals for the consideration of the Cabinet of Ministers:

1. The removal of the temporary suspension on the importation of motor vehicles and non-motorised goods, classified under a total of 304 HS Codes, will be done in three stages:

nStage 1: The importation of public passenger transport vehicles, special purpose vehicles, and other non-motorised goods will be allowed starting 1 October 2024.

nStage 2: The temporary suspension on the importation of commercial or goods transportation vehicles will be lifted on 1 December 2024.

nStage 3: The importation of personal usage motor vehicles (including cars, vans, sports utility vehicles, pickups, etc.) will be permitted starting 1 February 2025.

According to the Cabinet Memorandum, the phased lifting of restrictions is anticipated to inject much-needed energy into the auto industry and the broader economy, addressing challenges like an aging vehicle population, declining fuel efficiency, and rising maintenance costs.

The prolonged import restrictions had left Sri Lanka with an aging fleet of vehicles, characterised by declining roadworthiness and environmental concerns due to poor fuel efficiency. Importation of new vehicles is expected to stimulate economic activity by increasing Government revenue, particularly from vehicle imports, which have historically been a significant revenue stream for the country. However, while the reintroduction of imports will put pressure on foreign exchange reserves, measures have been implemented to balance this, including additional duties on motor vehicle imports.

PMD also said Sri Lanka’s commitment to the Paris Agreement’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and its goal to achieve “Net Zero” by 2050 was also a key factor in the Government’s decision. The import policy will prioritise environmentally friendly vehicles, with the introduction of stricter emissions standards, shifting from Euro 4 to Euro 6 compliance. The policy will also promote electric vehicles, especially the local assembly of electric three-wheelers, while disallowing the import of petrol or diesel-powered three-wheelers, a category notorious for causing traffic accidents.

In an effort to further reduce road accidents, which average 30,087 per year (primarily caused by motorcycles and three-wheelers), the Government has also included safety measures in its import policies.

Starting October 1, 2024, imports of motor cars, sports utility vehicles, motorcycles, and pickups will be limited to those less than three years old. Public passenger and commercial vehicles will be limited to five years, while special purpose and defence vehicles can be up to ten years old. Importers will be required to sell and register vehicles within 90 days of importation, with penalties introduced for any delays.

Furthermore, an annual licensing system will be introduced for importers, manufacturers, and traders to regulate the motor vehicle market and ensure they contribute to the national tax system.

The decision to lift import restrictions marks a new phase in Sri Lanka’s recovery and modernisation efforts. While it brings relief to industries and consumers after years of restrictions, the Government remains focused on balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability and safety concerns. The phased removal of the suspension is part of a calculated approach to stimulate the economy without compromising the country’s foreign exchange reserves or its commitments to climate change mitigation.