Shipping a Car to Sri Lanka from the UK: Complete Guide & Costs

Sri Lanka is one of the most popular South Asian destinations for vehicles shipped from the United Kingdom. Both countries drive on the left, making UK right-hand-drive vehicles directly compatible without any conversion.

Reasons for UK-to-Sri Lanka vehicle shipping:
• Returning Sri Lankan residents: Many Sri Lankans living in the UK ship their vehicle when returning home
• Expatriate relocations: British professionals moving to Sri Lanka
• Classic and luxury vehicles: Growing market for premium UK vehicles
• Commercial imports: Dealers importing UK vehicles for resale

Ship Cars RoRo operates regular RORO and container services from Southampton to Colombo, with typical transit times of 18–24 days.

Sri Lanka's vehicle import regulations are administered by the Department of Motor Traffic, Sri Lanka Customs, and the Ministry of Finance:

Age restrictions: As of 2026, Sri Lanka restricts the import of vehicles older than 5 years from the date of manufacture. This is strictly enforced.

Right-hand drive: Sri Lanka drives on the left. UK RHD vehicles are directly compatible and preferred.

Import licence: A vehicle import licence from the Department of Import and Export Control is required. Processing takes 2–4 weeks.

Emission standards: Imported vehicles must meet Sri Lanka's emission requirements. Euro 4 or later standards are generally required.

Documentation:
• Original V5C or export certificate
• Bill of Lading
• Commercial invoice (CIF value)
• Import licence
• Insurance certificate
• Letter of credit or payment confirmation
• Passport and NIC copies

RORO Shipping:
• Cost: £1,200–£2,200 from Southampton
• Transit time: 18–24 days
• Port: Colombo

Container Shipping:
• Dedicated 20ft: £2,200–£3,800
• Shared container: £1,500–£2,800
• Transit time: 20–28 days

Sri Lankan import duties (among the highest globally):
• Customs duty: 30% of CIF value
• PAL (Ports and Airports Development Levy): 7.5%
• NBT (Nation Building Tax): 2%
• Excise duty: based on engine capacity (can be 50–200%+ for larger engines)
• VAT: 15%

Total duties for a standard vehicle can reach 100–300% of the CIF value, depending on engine size. Sri Lanka has some of the highest vehicle import taxes in the world.

For a cost estimate, use our cost calculator.

Clearing a vehicle through Sri Lanka Customs in Colombo follows this process:

1. Appoint a customs broker: Essential for navigating Sri Lanka Customs procedures. Ship Cars RoRo works with trusted brokers in Colombo.
2. Document submission: Bill of Lading, invoice, import licence, and personal documents are presented.
3. Vehicle inspection: Customs officials physically inspect the vehicle and verify it matches the documentation.
4. Duty assessment: Sri Lanka Customs calculates the total duty based on CIF value and engine capacity.
5. Payment: All duties must be paid before the vehicle is released. Payment is typically through a bank.
6. Release: Vehicle is released from Colombo port for collection or delivery.

Clearing typically takes 7–14 business days, depending on documentation completeness and port congestion.

- Budget carefully for duties: Sri Lankan import taxes are among the world's highest. A £10,000 vehicle could attract £20,000–£30,000 in duties.
• Engine size matters enormously: Excise duty increases dramatically with engine capacity. Small-engine vehicles (under 1,500cc) attract much lower duties.
• Apply for import licence early: The licence can take 2–4 weeks to process.
• Right-hand drive advantage: UK vehicles need no conversion for Sri Lanka.
• Consider electric vehicles: Sri Lanka offers reduced duties for EVs and hybrids as part of its green transport policy.
• Insurance: Marine transit insurance is included as standard with Ship Cars RoRo.

Contact Ship Cars RoRo for expert guidance on shipping to Sri Lanka.

Before any international shipment, vehicles need to reach the loading port — and many customers ask us to handle the UK leg too. Our recovery and transport network covers every postcode, 24 hours a day.

Start with the main hubs: Car Recovery UK, Vehicle Recovery UK, 24/7 Breakdown Recovery and Nationwide Vehicle Transportation.

City coverage includes London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Glasgow, Sheffield and Bristol.

Pre-book a port run on a flatbed transporter from Southampton, Portsmouth, Liverpool or Felixstowe via Ipswich, or call 24/7 for breakdown recovery in London, Birmingham or Manchester.