Sri Lankan Customs Clearance Issues

[Skull2018]

I recently purchased two tablets ( wifi only) cost US$ 1500 in Amazon. Amazon priority shipped via UPS. Customs detained package now and requesting ICL & TRCL approval. It’s so frustrating. Technically both documents is not required for this product HSS code. UPS guys have no idea about this.

Please someone advise. Should I need to get this two documents ?

 

[your_love]

I guess you can get trc approval online now. Not sure though..call n ask trc

 

[decoy]

Do they have mobile network support? As mentioned on customs.gov.lk, you only need ICL & TRCL approval for mobile phone and accessories. Appeal to them that saying these are computer devices without network capabilities (Technically they have Wifi which is a network capability but laptops have that too)

 

[Skull2018]

I guess you can get trc approval online now. Not sure though..call n ask trc

ya I can get. But that’s not required right for WiFi device.

 

[decoy]

FIrst rule of importing something expensive to Sri Lanka :- Know someone inside!

 

[Skull2018]

Do they have mobile network support? As mentioned on customs.gov.lk, you only need ICL & TRCL approval for mobile phone and accessories. Appeal to them that saying these are computer devices without network capabilities (Technically they have Wifi which is a network capability but laptops have that too)

Yes absolutely, that’s my point. This UPS Buggers are not helpful. Worst service.

 

[decoy]

Yes absolutely, that’s my point. This UPS Buggers are not helpful. Worst service.

It's not just UPS, any international courier service which clearing your items as a proxy does not involve when custom officers inspect the items and declare the tax. Even if you provide the necessary documents, then TAX happens! Item worth + Shipping fee, I think you will have to pay more than 15,000LKR in tax (way more than that!).
Ex: I imported AC compressor + Hydraulic pump for my last Italian car which was cost me around 400USD, tax was around 38,000LKR! Only paid 3000LKR in tax and TNT service fee of 6000LKR

 

[Skull2018]

It's not just UPS, any international courier service which clearing your items as a proxy does not involve when custom officers inspect the items and declare the tax. Even if you provide the necessary documents, then TAX happens! Item worth + Shipping fee, I think you will have to pay more than 15,000LKR in tax (way more than that!)

Yes. I already paid to amazon $120 as import deposits. I mean UPS should know what customs require to clear this. They didn’t inform me properly till Cusdec got rejected.

 

[pranathlcp]

Based on what you have mentioned, it seems that DHL is the far better service when it comes to the customs-clearance process. I have recently placed an order for a mobile phone and my phone is currently stuck at the DHL warehouse, awaiting for customs clearance.

The customs required me to provide the TRCSL approval and I provided it. TRCSL does provide the approval via email and it can take about a week for the TRCSL approval. As for the ICL, DHL informed me that the ICL is not required for my shipment. Once the item was detained, DHL delivered me a set of documents containing the required information and I handed them back on 11th November. Apparently, one of the documents which I submitted, had not been accepted by the customs and they asked me to re-submit that document and I submitted it yesterday. I am still waiting for the clearance and there is certainly a big delay in clearing the items nowadays. In a nutshell, my phone is at their warehouse since 4th November and I am yet to receive the parcel. Let me know if you need to know anything regarding the process which I have undergone so far.

 

[asylum]

bump.

 

[Skull2018]

Based on what you have mentioned, it seems that DHL is the far better service when it comes to the customs-clearance process. I have recently placed an order for a mobile phone and my phone is currently stuck at the DHL warehouse, awaiting for customs clearance.

The customs required me to provide the TRCSL approval and I provided it. TRCSL does provide the approval via email and it can take about a week for the TRCSL approval. As for the ICL, DHL informed me that the ICL is not required for my shipment. Once the item was detained, DHL delivered me a set of documents containing the required information and I handed them back on 11th November. Apparently, one of the documents which I submitted, had not been accepted by the customs and they asked me to re-submit that document and I submitted it yesterday. I am still waiting for the clearance and there is certainly a big delay in clearing the items nowadays. In a nutshell, my phone is at their warehouse since 4th November and I am yet to receive the parcel. Let me know if you need to know anything regarding the process which I have undergone so far.

Thanks for sharing your experience. I know how frustrating situation. UPS forwarded the shipping documents again to me. I’m living quite far from Colombo. Once I received I need to apply for TRCL & ICL .Both departments provide approval now via email. As you said, it will take at least 1 week. If package stay long time in warehouse, need to warehouse charges as well. Clearing our own legit good is mafia business now in Sri Lanka.

 

[EMINƎM]

fucking sl and its clearance taxes. bump

 

[pranathlcp]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I know how frustrating situation. UPS forwarded the shipping documents again to me. I’m living quite far from Colombo. Once I received I need to apply for TRCL & ICL .Both departments provide approval now via email. As you said, it will take at least 1 week. If package stay long time in warehouse, need to warehouse charges as well. Clearing our own legit good is mafia business now in Sri Lanka.

You don't need to have the shipping documents in your possession to apply for the TRCSL approval. The invoice provided by the seller and the airway bill number are sufficient for applying for the TRCSL approval. I don't know about the process of ICL though. In my case, the TRCSL delay was acceptable and the longest delay has been caused by the customs so far.

At the same time, we also need to understand the impact caused by the pandemic on the work-process of the customs. It must not be an easy task, but having to wait for almost a month to clear an item via an expedited shipping method (after paying $45 for shipping alone), is not an entirely acceptable scenario. I am all okay with paying taxes for these electronic items as long as there is a hassle-free process for clearing the items.

 

[Hinna]

Recently I've purchased an electronic item from Amazon and I paid $159 just for shipping via DHL Express.
It arrived in SL on the 21st of Nov and held by customs. On 22nd DHL sent me a letter requesting a screenshot of how I made the payment and a letter written by me.
On the same day, I handed over that letter and proof of payment to the Nugegoda branch which is far away from my home. Today is the 26th and still no update from customs.
I called twice and they told me that the clearance process will take around 10-12 days.

What the fuck I already paid $159 for shipping because I wanted it within 4-5 days (Usually DHL Express delivers items within 4-5 days).
And now I have to carry letters and screenshots to their branches and wait for more than 10 days after paying a huge amount for shipping.

If I knew this will happen, I could order it via UPS which is cheaper than DHL.

 

[imhotep]

Things will not get any better with customs clearing... When governments have no money they will squeeze everything. We have seen this happening before.

 

[lilman]

Router wath online genwanna ba neda dan ??

 

[Emios]

Aramex is only 13.50 usd.wasted money on amazon

 

[Walter White]

Please advise the HS CODE or correct item name..

I can check with Customs today whether approvals required or not.

 

[Hunter4U]

Please advise the HS CODE or correct item name..

I can check with Customs today whether approvals required or not.

What if someone sends me an Aipod? It's not direct buying but as a gift

 

[ryanex]

please dont use ups and fedex use dhl instead