Gazette Frees 400 Japanese Cars Stuck at Sri Lankan Port

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Sri Lankan government has issued an extraordinary gazette notification lifting the barriers on approximately 400 vehicles imported from Japan, which were previously held at the port. 

This move follows the removal of vehicle import restrictions.

The gazette notification grants authority to Bureau Veritas, an inspection agency, to certify the imported vehicles, thereby resolving the issues that had prevented their release from customs. Additionally, other obstacles hindering the clearance of these vehicles have been removed.

In 2021, the Sri Lankan government halted vehicle imports due to the economic crisis.

However, as of February 1, 2025, the government decided to resume vehicle imports for personal use.

Despite this decision, around 400 vehicles remained stuck at customs due to issues with the required export inspection certificates.

The special gazette notification addresses these issues, allowing the vehicles to be released from customs and imported into the country.