July 26, Colombo (LNW): More than 1,000 imported vehicles currently stored at Hambantota Port could soon be auctioned or sold through a tender process after remaining unclaimed by their respective importers, Sri Lanka Customs has announced.
Customs Media Spokesman Chandana Punchihewa said a total of 1,025 vehicles have yet to be cleared, with approximately 625 of them having remained at the port for over six months since their arrival.
He clarified that the vehicles are not being held due to customs-related offences or legal disputes. Instead, the owners have failed to complete the required clearance procedures despite the passage of time, prompting Customs to initiate action under Section 129 of the Customs Ordinance.
Under the existing regulations, importers are expected to clear their consignments within one month of paying the relevant duties and taxes. If they fail to do so, Customs is legally empowered to dispose of the goods through a public auction or competitive tender in order to recover revenue owed to the State.
According to Punchihewa, any money realised from the sale will first be used to settle outstanding taxes, followed by port handling and storage charges. Should any surplus remain after these deductions, the balance will be returned to the importer concerned.
He further explained that port authorities are obliged to notify Sri Lanka Customs whenever imported cargo remains uncleared for more than a month. As the necessary notifications have already been received regarding these vehicles, the disposal process is expected to move forward in accordance with the law.
However, Customs has indicated that each case will be assessed individually. Importers who can provide a reasonable explanation for the delay in clearing their vehicles may still have an opportunity to resolve the matter before any final action is taken.
