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Despite claims circulating online, popular global e-commerce platforms such as AliExpress, Amazon, and Temu have not abandoned Sri Lankan customers, clarified Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Chathuranga Abeysingha.
The Deputy Minister acknowledged that some recent difficulties have arisen due to a change in customs tax regulations implemented in April by Sri Lanka Customs. The country currently lacks a formal cross-border e-commerce policy, which has led to confusion among both buyers and officials.
Previously, Sri Lankan authorities allowed Business-to-Consumer (B2C) imports with minimal or no taxes—especially for packages under 1kg—despite national regulations only formally accommodating Business-to-Business (B2B) transactions.
However, the rise in mass-scale imports of consumer goods via these platforms, often for commercial resale, prompted authorities to enforce stricter taxation aligned with proper HS (Harmonized System) codes.
As a result:
Even small personal shipments are now taxed like commercial imports.
Every imported item is entered into the system and taxed based on its classification.
This has significantly increased the cost of products for regular Sri Lankan consumers.
Deputy Minister Abeysingha emphasized that these e-commerce companies have not ceased operations in Sri Lanka, but the user experience has been disrupted due to customs enforcement. He assured the public that the government is actively exploring ways to reform the tax system to facilitate smoother e-commerce experiences in the near future.
