Exceptions to Import Regulations

(A)      The provisions of regulations 3 to 13 of these regulations shall not apply –
 
  1. to import of goods for personal use of the importer (not in commercial quantities) where the value of the consignment does not exceeds United States Dollars Five Thousand (US$ 5000) of its equivalent in other convertible foreign currencies. In the case of such imports,-
(i)        documentary proof of payment including bank memos shall be furnished to the Director General of Customs along with the clearance documents;
 
(ii)        the Director General of Customs on being satisfied that the requirements of paragraph (i) above has been complied with, may release such goods.
 
  1.  to goods imported without payment in foreign exchange out of Sri Lanka (NFE basis) where value in the aggregate does not exceed United States Dollars five thousand (US$ 5000) or its equivalent in any other convertible foreign currency.
  2. to goods, which exceed in value United States Dollars Five Thousand (US$ 5000) or its equivalent in any other convertible currency, imported without payment in foreign exchange out of Sri Lanka (NFE basis), the Director General of Customs may release such goods on the tender by the importer, of the relevant clearance documents along with a declaration to the effect that such goods are for the purpose of re-export.
Provided however, in relation to goods that do not involve re-export, the Director General of Customs may release such goods upon obtaining information and being satisfied, of the reasons for such import.
 
(B)      The provisions referred to in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of regulation 3 (1) of these regulations shall not apply to the import of goods specified in the Column I of Schedule III and falling within the Harmonized System [(Hs) Code] specified in the corresponding entry n Column II of the table, where-
 
  1. the import of such goods into Sri Lanka does not involve a payment in foreign exchange out of Sri Lanka and the Director General of Customs may release the goods on the tender of the relevant clearance documents by the Importer which shall contain a Declaration to the effect that the goods are imported for re-export; and
  2. the import of goods into Sri Lanka is on a consignment basis and the importer,- 
(i)         declares to the National Gem and Jewellery Authority established by the National Gem and Jewellery Authority Act, No. 50 of 1993, the quantity, value of the goods and the purpose of the import of such goods;
 
(ii)       complies with the conditions imposed by such Authority; and
 
(iii)      satisfies the Director – General of Customs that the requirements of paragraphs (i) and (ii) above have been complied with, prior to the clearance of such goods from the Sri Lanka Customs.

(C)      The importation of Motor Vehicles falling under HS Code No’s 87.02, 87.03, 87.04 and 87.05 should be made only by Letters of Credit (LC’s) which should be opened prior to shipment of the relevant motor vehicle. The conditions stipulated by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka for the establishment of Letters of Credit (L/C) in respect of any category of items falling within the aforementioned HS Codes, shall be applicable.