How to import goods from China to Sri Lanka: A step-by-step guide

As businesses in Sri Lanka look to expand their horizons and diversify their product offerings, one country that import business owners are beginning to look towards is China. Importing from China can open doors to quality products at competitive prices — but it’s not always easy to navigate customs, documents, and duties.

In this guide, we'll walk you through how to import goods from China to Sri Lanka so that you can guarantee a smooth and uninterrupted shipping process from start to finish.

Why import from China to Sri Lanka?

For businesses in Sri Lanka, one of the benefits of importing from China is access to an immense variety of high-quality products at competitive prices. 

According to the China Global Television Network (CGTN), goods imported from China to Sri Lanka reached US$4.97 billion in 2024, solidifying its position as one of Sri Lanka’s largest trading partners and a key source of Sri Lanka imports¹. 

What can be imported from China?

The range of goods imported from China to Sri Lanka is vast and continues to grow. If you are looking to import wholesale products from China, these are some of the top categories:

• Electronics: China is a dominant supplier of the world’s consumer electronics from components to completed products.
• Textiles and Fabric: The country is a global leader in textile manufacturing, offering a wide array of fabrics and garments.
• Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Products: This sector is a rapidly expanding area for trade between the two countries.
• Machinery: These are also among the top items imported, essential for Sri Lanka's industrial and infrastructure development.

How to import from China to Sri Lanka: The complete process

1. Choose products with demand

Start by identifying high-demand products with strong resale potential. Look at current market trends in Sri Lanka for items like electronics accessories, tools, or clothing. Use global trade portals and trend reports to validate your product ideas and determine what can be imported from China that will be profitable for your business.

2. Verify and vet your supplier

Your supplier is a key partner, so it's crucial to choose wisely. Use reputable platforms like Alibaba to find sellers with strong reviews and trade assurance. You might also want to contact existing China importers in Sri Lanka to see if they have connections you can leverage on.

A thorough vetting process should include checking for company registration and requesting samples. Be cautious of red flags such as fake reviews, inconsistent communication, or pricing that seems too good to be true.

3. Identify the correct HS code

Every product has a Harmonized System (HS) code, a standardized number used globally to classify goods. Using the correct HS code is essential as it directly impacts your customs duties, taxes, and clearance time. 

Incorrect codes can lead to delays and additional costs. If you need help finding the right HS code for the product you want to import, a reliable logistics partner like DHL Express can be invaluable in helping you find and verify the appropriate HS codes using up-to-date customs data.

4. Agree on Incoterms that work for you

Incoterms are international rules that define the responsibilities of the buyer and seller in a transaction. These affect your China to Sri Lanka shipping cost and determine who assumes the risk should goods be lost in transit. Some notable ones you should know are:

• Ex Works (EXW): The seller's responsibility ends at their factory gate. The buyer handles all transport and risks from there.
• Free on Board (FOB): The seller is responsible for the goods until they are loaded onto the ship or aircraft.
• Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF): The seller covers the cost, insurance, and freight to the destination port. The buyer is responsible for customs clearance and delivery from that point.
• Delivered Duty Paid (DDP): The seller handles all costs and risks, including customs duties, right up to the final delivery to the buyer's location. This term simplifies the import process significantly for the buyer. DHL supports DDP to give you greater control and a more predictable total cost.

5. Prepare accurate export and import documentation

Accurate and comprehensive documentation is the foundation of a successful import procedure from China to Sri Lanka. Some of the key documents you'll need when exporting from China include:

• Commercial invoice: A detailed invoice that provides information about the goods, their value, and the terms of sale. Certain types of goods, such as food items, medical supplies, and other perishables, may require specific labelling to meet industry-wide safety standards.
• Packing list: An itemised list of the contents of each package or container, including weights and dimensions.
• Customs declaration: A comprehensive declaration of the goods being exported, including their classification and value.
• Bill of lading (B/L): A B/L is a legal document issued by your carrier of choice that acknowledges the receipt of goods for shipment.

Understanding the specific requirements and how to apply them when importing goods from China to Sri Lanka is vital, as this will ensure the shipping and import process remains smooth and uninterrupted. Inaccurate or incomplete documentation can lead to customs delays, increased costs, and even the risk of goods being held or returned, disrupting your entire supply chain.

Understanding duties, taxes and trade agreements

Duties and taxes on import from China to Sri Lanka

The total cost of your shipment isn't just about the product and shipping fees. When importing to Sri Lanka, a shipment may be subject to a range of charges, which are calculated using the CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) method:

• Customs duty: The primary tax on imported goods, calculated based on the product's classification and value.
• Value Added Tax (VAT): An 18% consumption tax applied to most imported goods.
• Cess: An additional levy imposed on certain goods, often to protect local industries.
• Port and Airport Development Levy (PAL): A tax on imported goods to fund the development of ports and airports.

These levies are not fixed and can vary significantly based on the type of product you are importing, its classification, and current government regulations.

Additionally, in Sri Lanka, there is no de minimis threshold for imports. This means that all commercial shipments from China, regardless of their value, are subject to taxes and duties. 

When calculating your China to Sri Lanka shipping cost, keep these duties in mind so that you are aware of the full costs.

Trade agreements between China and Sri Lanka

While Sri Lanka and China do not have a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) at the moment, both countries are parties to the existing Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA). Certain goods covered within the APTA may thus qualify for reduced or eliminated export duties, and businesses should familiarise themselves with these categories to optimise their import costs and trade outcomes.

Businesses should also keep in mind that Sri Lanka and China have been discussing a potential bilateral FTA for years, and should this FTA come to pass, there may be even more trade opportunities between the two countries. Learn more about Sri Lanka’s free trade agreements and how to use them to your advantage.

Know what you can and can’t export from China to Sri Lanka

Both China and Sri Lanka have their own lists of items that are restricted and/or prohibited from exports and imports, respectively. If you are looking to import from China, you must be vigilant about the nature of the goods you plan to import in order to avoid violating these terms by inadvertently shipping restricted or prohibited items. 

Banned exports out of China

In China’s case, items that are restricted or banned from export include:

• Gold, silver, and other precious metals
• Chinese cultural artefacts, antiques, and relics
• Items made from endangered animals or plants (strictly prohibited from export without the necessary permits)
• Goods with potential military or dual-use applications
• Metal ores, such as gallium and germanium
• Selected vaccine technologies
• Technology related to mining, engineering, meat processing, and other sectors
• Technology related to agriculture, chemical processing/manufacturing, and electrical machinery manufacturing
• Research and development materials related to cell cloning or gene editing

Banned imports in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka still maintains a list of prohibited and restricted items to protect public health, national security, and the local economy. Violating these regulations can lead to serious consequences, including the seizure of goods and penalties.

The most up-to-date and complete list of regulated imports is maintained by the Sri Lanka Customs Department and the Department of Import and Export Control². Some key categories of goods that are subject to controls include:

• Firearms, ammunition, and explosives: These are strictly controlled and require specific permits from the Ministry of Defence.
• Food and plant products: Certain fresh foods, seeds, plants, and animal products are restricted to prevent the introduction of diseases or invasive species.
• Pharmaceuticals and medical devices: The import of drugs and medical equipment is subject to strict licensing and approval from the National Medicines Regulatory Authority.
• Cultural and religious items: Goods containing disparaging or insulting references to religious figures are prohibited.

Package and label your shipments correctly

Meticulous attention to packaging and labeling is key to a seamless import process. Follow these tips to ensure your goods imported from China arrive safely and clear customs without delay.

• Use export-grade packaging: Invest in sturdy, moisture-resistant, and stackable materials. This protects your products from damage during the rigors of international shipping from China.
• Accurate labeling is a must: Every package should be clearly labeled with key information, including the product name, weight, country of origin, and any relevant batch or expiry dates.
• Special requirements for certain goods: For items like food and cosmetics, you must include nutritional information, health warnings, and manufacturer details as per Sri Lankan regulations.
• Consider language translations: While some exporters from China may be able to send their products in English, you may encounter issues if the product’s export documentation is presented in Mandarin. Adding translations in Sinhala and Tamil can help with customs clearance and local handling.
• Partner with an Expert: A logistics partner like DHL Express can provide advice on product-specific packaging requirements, especially for fragile or regulated items, to guarantee they are handled correctly from the moment they are collected until final delivery.

How DHL Express simplifies China to Sri Lanka imports

Sri Lanka businesses looking to import wholesale products from China can benefit greatly with a reliable and globally connected logistics partner. DHL Express offers comprehensive services and tools to streamline the entire process.

• End-to-end customs support: Get expert assistance with HS code classification, documentation, and staying up-to-date on regulations to ensure your shipments clear customs smoothly.
• Express cross-border delivery: Fast, door-to-door delivery connects you with over 220 countries and territories, while the MyDHL+ platform gives you real-time tracking and digital paperwork management.
• Tools for SMEs and regular importers: A business account offers flexible delivery options, prepaid tax solutions like DDP, and corporate pricing to help you manage your shipping costs efficiently.

Ready to import from China? Let DHL Express help you do it right

Open a business account with DHL Express today to discover how we can help your import business grow.