Content and Navigation
EN
More Apply for a Business Account Contact
#eCommerceAdvice

How to import to Sri Lanka from Thailand

6 Mins Read

In an era of globalisation, understanding the intricacies of international trade is crucial for small business owners. For those in Sri Lanka looking towards Thailand, a country known for its diverse market and robust export portfolio, the opportunities for business expansion and sourcing unique products are immense.

This guide serves as a comprehensive walkthrough for Sri Lankan businesses aiming to navigate the complexities of importing from Thailand, ensuring a smooth and compliant process.

Exploring Sri Lanka-Thailand trade dynamics

With its strategic location in Southeast Asia, Thailand has emerged as a key trading partner for Sri Lanka. The bilateral trade between these nations has been flourishing, with Thailand being a major source of electronics, machinery, and various agricultural products. According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), the export value from Thailand to Sri Lanka was around US$409 million in 2021, signalling strong economic ties.

Sri Lanka's import tax landscape

Understanding the import tax landscape in Sri Lanka is vital for businesses importing goods from Thailand. The system comprises varying customs duties designed to protect local industries while supporting economic growth, with higher duties on luxury and allowed non-essential items.

Additionally, a standard Value-Added Tax (VAT) rate of 15% applies, though this is set to increase to 18% from 1 January 2023. Exemptions or reductions may, however, exist for certain essential goods. Import taxes are calculated based on the transaction value, which includes the cost, insurance, freight, and any other charges up to arrival in Sri Lanka, necessitating accurate invoicing for efficient tax assessment.

Utilising FTAs

The free trade agreements (FTAs) between Thailand and Sri Lanka are pivotal in shaping the trade dynamics between these two countries. These agreements, such as the pipelined Sri Lanka-Thailand Free Trade Agreement (SLTFTA), offer significant benefits, including tariff reductions on various products.

This FTA, once implemented, is expected to cover a wide range of goods and services, potentially reducing import costs for Sri Lankan businesses and making Thai products like electronics, automotive parts, and certain agricultural items more accessible. For Sri Lankan importers, keeping abreast of these agreements, their specific terms, and product coverage is essential. It enables them to strategically plan their imports, reduce costs, and improve market competitiveness.

Adhering to export and import regulations

Adhering to export and import regulations is crucial for businesses engaged in international trade, especially when importing goods from countries like Thailand to Sri Lanka. A thorough understanding of which items are restricted or prohibited is not just a matter of compliance, but also a key to avoiding potential legal consequences and significant financial losses.

Restricted and prohibited goods

Sri Lanka maintains a detailed list of items that are either restricted or outright banned from importation, encompassing a range of categories, including certain foods, plants, electronic items, and more. This list is crucial for businesses to understand, as non-compliance can lead to severe penalties.

Among perishable items, fish, grain, and other items which are in a damaged, stinking, or offensive condition are subject to restrictions due to health and safety standards. 

For example, importing dairy products from Thailand may require health certifications and adherence to strict quality control measures. Similarly, the import of meat for human consumption should also adhere to requirements and be licensed. 

To import live fish such as bettas, guppies and goldfishes, you will need to obtain health certifications from the relevant authorities in Thailand, secure an import permit from Sri Lanka, and adhere to quarantine and inspection procedures upon arrival to ensure the health and safety of the fish and local ecosystems. 

For importing perishables like fruits and ornamental plants such as orchids, you need a phytosanitary certificate from Thailand. Ensure you are aware of Sri Lanka’s specific import restrictions or additional certifications required. Proper packaging is also crucial to maintain quality during transit.

Other restricted or prohibited items include, but are not limited to:

  • Chinese crackers
  • Gas discharging appliances
  • Beedy tobacco
  • Indecent prints and other materials
  • Japanese shaving brushes
  • Mattur dhal (Lathyrus Sutivus)

It is advisable for businesses to consult with customs experts or use the services of experienced logistics providers like DHL Express to ensure full compliance with Sri Lankan import regulations.

On the other hand, Thailand restricts the following items from exportation:

  • Buddhist statues, relics, and ancient artifacts
  • Firearms, ammunition, explosives, and similar weaponry
  • Botanical specimens and plant components
  • Live animals and animal remains
  • Edibles, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and dietary supplements
  • Automotive components and parts
  • Tobacco products, cigarettes, and alcoholic beverages
  • Communication devices, radios, and telecommunications equipment

Goods prohibited from being exported from Thailand include:

  • Illegal drugs and narcotics
  • Adult content and explicit materials
  • Counterfeit products and items infringing on intellectual property rights
  • Counterfeit currency or coins
  • Protected animals or wildlife listed under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)

Best products to import from Thailand to Sri Lanka

Among the most profitable items to import from Thailand are Thai silverware, cosmetics, and automotive parts. To start, research Sri Lankan market demand, establish contacts with Thai suppliers, and comply with Sri Lankan import regulations, including necessary documentation and customs procedures.

<h3>Proper shipping documentation</h3> <p>Key documents include the commercial invoice, packing list, and airway bill, each serving a unique purpose in the import procedure. Ensuring these are accurately filled and presented is vital for a smooth customs experience.</p> <p><b>The foundation of a successful import process into&nbsp;Sri Lanka&nbsp;rests on the robustness of shipping documentation</b>.&nbsp;The key documents include:</p> <ul> <li><b>Air waybill:</b>&nbsp;This is the contract between the owner of the goods and the air carrier, a legal document which is enforced by law. This is also a key document to facilitate the tracking of shipments.</li> <li><b>Commercial invoice:</b>&nbsp;Issued by the seller to the buyer, this document details the value, quantity, and description of the goods and is used by customs to assess duties and taxes.</li> <li><b>Packing list:</b>&nbsp;This document accompanies the shipped goods and provides detailed information about the cargo, including the weight, dimensions, and packaging details.</li> <li><b>Import licence:</b>&nbsp;Certain goods may require an import license in Sri Lanka. This is a document obtained from the relevant government authorities permitting the importation of goods into the country.</li> <li><b>Certificate of origin:</b>&nbsp;This document certifies the country in which the goods were manufactured, and it is important for determining the rate of duty and eligibility for import under certain trade agreements.</li> </ul> <p>Each document serves as a communication tool, providing customs officials with the necessary information to verify the contents and value of a shipment.<b>&nbsp;Inaccuracies, such as an undervalued invoice or a vague packing list, can result in discrepancies that may lead to inspections, delays, and potential penalties.&nbsp;</b></p> <p>You will also require an export licence to ship goods out of Thailand, in addition to the aforementioned documents.</p> <h2>Packing and labelling compliance</h2> <p><b>Compliance with packing and labelling standards is not just an&nbsp;import&nbsp;requirement but also a critical component of logistics management.</b>&nbsp;Proper packing safeguards the goods against damage during transit, particularly over long sea voyages from Thailand to Sri Lanka, while accurate labelling ensures swift identification and routing of the packages.&nbsp;</p> <h3>Packaging and labelling standards for Sri Lanka</h3> <p>In Sri Lanka, packaging and labelling must adhere to strict standards to ensure that goods withstand the rigours of transport and reach their destination without damage. Durable packaging materials and techniques must be employed, particularly for fragile items, to prevent breakage or spoilage.</p> <p><b>Labels should be clear and legible, containing accurate descriptions of the contents, the country of origin, and any handling instructions necessary for the safe transport of the goods</b>.&nbsp;Moreover, opting for sustainable packaging materials could contribute to a more environmentally friendly approach to your shipping processes.</p> <h2>Streamlining your import process with DHL Express</h2> <p>For businesses in Sri Lanka, streamlining the import procedure from Thailand involves careful planning and execution.&nbsp;<b>Partnering with a competent logistics provider offers the advantage of navigating through complex customs regulations with ease.&nbsp;</b>With expert knowledge of the trade laws, a logistics partner can facilitate a smooth and compliant importing operation, offering support in documentation management, timely customs clearance, and efficient cargo handling.</p> <p><a href="https://www.dhl.com/discover/en-lk/">DHL Express Sri Lanka</a>&nbsp;stands out as a logistics partner that brings a wealth of experience and an extensive overseas shipping network to the table. Whether it is a swift same-day delivery of a critical A4 sized paper document or the careful transport of a full container of perishable goods, our efficient handling of your express shipments can significantly streamline your business' import operations from Thailand.</p>

Proper shipping documentation

Key documents include the commercial invoice, packing list, and airway bill, each serving a unique purpose in the import procedure. Ensuring these are accurately filled and presented is vital for a smooth customs experience.

The foundation of a successful import process into Sri Lanka rests on the robustness of shipping documentation. The key documents include:

  • Air waybill: This is the contract between the owner of the goods and the air carrier, a legal document which is enforced by law. This is also a key document to facilitate the tracking of shipments.
  • Commercial invoice: Issued by the seller to the buyer, this document details the value, quantity, and description of the goods and is used by customs to assess duties and taxes.
  • Packing list: This document accompanies the shipped goods and provides detailed information about the cargo, including the weight, dimensions, and packaging details.
  • Import licence: Certain goods may require an import license in Sri Lanka. This is a document obtained from the relevant government authorities permitting the importation of goods into the country.
  • Certificate of origin: This document certifies the country in which the goods were manufactured, and it is important for determining the rate of duty and eligibility for import under certain trade agreements.

Each document serves as a communication tool, providing customs officials with the necessary information to verify the contents and value of a shipment. Inaccuracies, such as an undervalued invoice or a vague packing list, can result in discrepancies that may lead to inspections, delays, and potential penalties. 

You will also require an export licence to ship goods out of Thailand, in addition to the aforementioned documents.

Packing and labelling compliance

Compliance with packing and labelling standards is not just an import requirement but also a critical component of logistics management. Proper packing safeguards the goods against damage during transit, particularly over long sea voyages from Thailand to Sri Lanka, while accurate labelling ensures swift identification and routing of the packages. 

Packaging and labelling standards for Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, packaging and labelling must adhere to strict standards to ensure that goods withstand the rigours of transport and reach their destination without damage. Durable packaging materials and techniques must be employed, particularly for fragile items, to prevent breakage or spoilage.

Labels should be clear and legible, containing accurate descriptions of the contents, the country of origin, and any handling instructions necessary for the safe transport of the goods. Moreover, opting for sustainable packaging materials could contribute to a more environmentally friendly approach to your shipping processes.

Streamlining your import process with DHL Express

For businesses in Sri Lanka, streamlining the import procedure from Thailand involves careful planning and execution. Partnering with a competent logistics provider offers the advantage of navigating through complex customs regulations with ease. With expert knowledge of the trade laws, a logistics partner can facilitate a smooth and compliant importing operation, offering support in documentation management, timely customs clearance, and efficient cargo handling.

DHL Express Sri Lanka stands out as a logistics partner that brings a wealth of experience and an extensive overseas shipping network to the table. Whether it is a swift same-day delivery of a critical A4 sized paper document or the careful transport of a full container of perishable goods, our efficient handling of your express shipments can significantly streamline your business' import operations from Thailand.

ENJOY SPECIAL CORPORATE SHIPPING RATE WITH US TODAY!

Similar Stories