Shipping goods from the UK to Sri Lanka can be a simpler process if you understand the available options, regulations, and costs involved. Whether you are sending personal items, business consignments, or gifts, choosing the right shipping method and understanding customs regulations can help you avoid delays and unexpected charges.
Through this article, we will help you understand popular shipping methods, costs, key factors, and much more.
Popular Shipping Methods: Air, Sea, and Courier Services
There are three main methods for shipping goods from the UK to Sri Lanka: air freight, sea freight, and courier services.
- Air Freight
Air freight is the fastest option for shipping goods to Sri Lanka. It is suitable for urgent deliveries, perishable goods, and high-value items. Major airlines and freight carriers operate services between the UK and Sri Lanka, with shipments typically arriving within 3–7 days.
It offers the fastest delivery option and is extremely reliable and secure. But it can be more expensive than the other two options and it also comes with weight restrictions.
- Sea Freight
Sea freight is the most cost-effective method for shipping large and heavy items. It is suitable for business consignments, household goods, and bulky shipments. Containers can be shipped as Full Container Load (FCL) or Less than Container Load (LCL), depending on the volume of goods.
If you want to courier large items, then sea freight is actually a good option as it is budget-friendly. There are not many weight or size restrictions. The drawback here is that the transit time is around 4–8 weeks. Also, customs clearance and port handling can be challenging.
- Courier Services
International courier services offer door-to-door shipping for documents and parcels. This option is fine for personal shipments, small packages, and business documents. The door-to-door service ensures you receive your parcel without going anywhere. These also provide tracking and insurance options.
Moreover, it is also faster than the sea freight. But it is more costly than standard postal services and comes with weight and size limitations.
Key Factors to Consider When Shipping to Sri Lanka
- Type of Goods: Ensure your items are allowed under Sri Lankan import regulations.
- Shipping Cost: Compare prices among different carriers to find the best deal.
- Delivery Time: Choose the shipping method that meets your timeline.
- Insurance: Consider insuring valuable shipments to protect against loss or damage.
- Customs Clearance: Be aware of necessary documentation to avoid delays.
Customs Regulations and Import Duties in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has specific customs regulations that must be followed when importing goods.
Customs Documentation
Common documents required for customs clearance include:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading (for sea freight) or airway bill (for air freight)
- Import permit
- Certificate of origin
Restricted and Prohibited Items
Some items are restricted or prohibited from being imported into Sri Lanka. Restricted goods may require additional permits or licenses, while prohibited items are not allowed at all.
- Firearms and ammunition
- Drugs and narcotics
- Certain food items and plants
- Counterfeit goods
Import Duties and Taxes
Sri Lanka imposes import duties and taxes on most goods. The applicable charges include:
- Customs Duty: Varies depending on the type of goods
- Value Added Tax (VAT): typically, 15%
- Excise Duty: Applies to specific items like alcohol and tobacco
- Ports and Airport Development Levy (PAL): Charged on most imports
- CESS Levy: Applied to certain goods for economic development
Estimated Shipping Times and Costs
The time and cost of shipping from the UK to Sri Lanka depend on the chosen method, the size and weight of the shipment, and the service provider.
Air freight has an estimated time of around 3-7 days and costs £2-£8 per kg. Sea freight takes around 4-8 weeks to deliver your parcel and the approximate cost is £50-£200 per cubic meter. Lastly, the courier services require 3-10 days to deliver your parcel, costing approximately £20-£60 for small parcels.
The cost may also vary if you opt for insurance of your shipment. Not all companies have the option of insurance. But if available, you must take it.
We have focused on costs, estimated time, and even weight for you to understand which shipping method is the best. To ship from the UK to Sri Lanka, there are various things that you must know. These include customs, restricted and prohibited items, and much more. Go through this article before you finally ship your parcel.
Contact London Cargo a for shipping from UK to Sri Lanka.
London Cargo is a leading specialist in sending cargo from UK.
