Customs to auction over 1,000 uncleared vehicles at Hambantota Port

Importers have failed to clear around 1,025 vehicles imported into the country and currently held at the Hambantota Port, Sri Lanka Customs said.

Customs Media Spokesman Director Chandana Punchihewa said around 625 of these vehicles remained at the port for more than six months since their arrival.

He pointed out that the vehicles were not subject to any customs violations. However, as importers have not cleared them, Customs will proceed with steps to auction the vehicles or sell them through a tender process under Section 129 of the Customs Ordinance.

Punchihewa said all imported goods must be cleared within one month after payment of applicable duties and taxes. If importers fail to do so, the law allows Customs to dispose of such goods and recover the taxes payable to the government from the proceeds.

He added that any remaining funds after the settlement of taxes would be used to cover port and warehouse charges, whilst any balance left thereafter would be returned to the relevant importer.

Port authorities are required to notify Sri Lanka Customs when imported goods remain uncleared for more than one month, the Customs spokesman said.

He said Customs was already informed about the vehicles that remain uncleared and necessary action will be taken to dispose of them.

Punchihewa added that if an importer provides a valid reason for failing to clear a vehicle, Customs would consider the matter on a case-by-case basis.