A Sudden Stop to Cheap Imports? 👮
If you have been wondering why your budget items from
AliExpress, Temu, or Amazon are delayed, heavily taxed, or just missing, you’re
not alone. Let’s look at what happened to parcel imports and whether AliExpress
“abandoned” Sri Lanka.
The Core Issue: Customs Reform Overhaul 👀
Sri Lanka Customs changed the rules. In a significant policy
shift, the old flat-rate import tax model is gone. Parcels under 1kg, which
used to be taxed at Rs. 800 or often passed duty-free, now face new
regulations. As of July 7, 2025, all imports will be taxed according to their
HS Code (Harmonized System code), which reflects the type and value of the
product, not just its weight.
Why AliExpress Paused Low-Cost Shipping ☝
AliExpress, known for affordable or free shipping, stopped
budget shipping to Sri Lanka after the changes. Why?
- Small-value parcels now face full commercial duty
- No distinction between personal and business use under the current enforcement
- Customs delays and document requirements discouraged sellers from shipping to Sri Lanka
So, AliExpress didn’t cut off Sri Lanka. They found it too
costly, slow, and risky to ship low-cost items here under the new rules.
Temu and Amazon Still Operate—But Differently 👮
• Temu: Faced delays earlier this year due to courier
problems. They have now resumed shipping through CPEX, but service quality can
vary.
• Amazon: Still ships to Sri Lanka via DHL, USPS, or
third-party forwarders, but expect higher shipping fees and customs costs.
Government’s Response: Deputy Minister Speaks 👤
Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship,
Chathuranga Abeysinghe, clarified:
“No platform has abandoned Sri Lanka. This is a customs
regulation change, not a trade issue. We're working on introducing exemptions,
especially for students and researchers.”
The ministry is now:
• Reviewing tax burdens on educational and research
imports
• Accepting HS code submissions for exemption requests
• Exploring digital import control updates
TL;DR – What You Need to Know 👈
Topic Summary
AliExpress Low-cost shipping has been paused. No
ban.
Temu Resumed via CPEX. Still inconsistent.
Amazon Ships via courier; pricier, slower.
Reason New HS
code-based customs tax model
Is it permanent? Policy may change with exemptions
Government stance Reform
is necessary to prevent abuse, but flexibility is coming
Final Thoughts 👦
This isn’t just a tech issue—it’s a major shift. For years,
Sri Lanka had open borders for small parcel imports. Now, the rules show
tighter border control, and global platforms are adjusting to the new costs and
complexities.
In short, we’re not abandoned, but we are under review.
Expect better shipping options, accurate tax calculations,
and platform adaptations in the future.
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