1,025 vehicles are stuck in the Hambantota Port premises

The Customs Department states that 1,025 vehicles, which have not been cleared even though more than three months have passed since their import into the country, are currently parked at the Hambantota Port premises. Customs Media Spokesperson, Customs Director Mr. Chandana Punchihewa, stated in a special announcement that out of those vehicles, 625 have been brought into the country more than six months ago.

Clarifying the reports published in the media recently regarding the clearance of vehicles at Hambantota Port, he pointed out that none of these vehicles have been held up due to a delay or error on the part of Customs. He mentioned that importers themselves have not cleared these vehicles due to various reasons such as the prevailing economic problems and the decrease in demand for vehicles in the market.

According to Section 109 of the Customs Ordinance, even if no customs offense has occurred regarding a vehicle, if the relevant importers do not clear the vehicles from the port within one month by paying the stipulated customs duties and other taxes, the Customs Department has the authority to sell those vehicles through a tender process or a public auction.

From the income generated by such auctions, the taxes due to the government, port charges, and warehouse fees will be recovered, and if any money remains, there is also the possibility of returning it to the relevant importer. At this juncture, where the Hambantota Port has informed about vehicles exceeding three months, it is also stated that if an importer makes a request citing a reasonable cause, further opportunity will be provided to clear those vehicles.

The Customs Media Spokesperson further pointed out that at a time when the country is facing a foreign exchange crisis, importing vehicles using foreign exchange and then not clearing them from the port in this manner creates a problematic situation for the entire economy.