History and Functions of Sri Lanka Customs

What was one of the main functions of Sri Lanka Customs regarding the control of goods?

Which Act is specifically related to the imposition of VAT by Sri Lanka Customs?

What document must the ship's master deliver according to Section 29?

What is the role of the ship’s agent concerning the Customs Ordinance as per Section 114?

Which of the following is NOT a component of the main functions of Sri Lanka Customs?

What must the Master of every ship do within 24 hours of arrival at a port in Sri Lanka?

What is the penalty for the Master of a ship arriving without clearance at a port in Sri Lanka?

What should happen before any goods can be un-laden from a ship according to Section 34?

According to Section 30, what right do Customs officers have regarding ships arriving in Sri Lanka?

What is required concerning Long Transit Cargo according to the recent amendment?

What must the Master provide alongside the report to Customs according to Section 29?

According to Section 31, what obligation does the Master have regarding Customs officers stationed on board?

What does Section 28 state about Short Transit Cargo reporting?

History of Sri Lanka Customs

2nd Century: Reference to customs practices in the 'GODAVAYA' Stone Inscription.
1809: Establishment of the first Commissioner of Customs in Sri Lanka.
1869: Formal enactment of the Customs Ordinance, establishing a regulatory framework.

Main Functions of Sri Lanka Customs

Primary role in collecting various import taxes, including Customs Duty, VAT, PAL, SSCL, Excise (SP) Duty, and Cess.
Responsible for controlling the entry and exit of prohibited and restricted goods into/out of the country.
Engages in investigating offenses related to customs regulations and relevant revenue laws.
Conducts inquiries under the Customs Ordinance and associated laws.

Key tax laws include:
- VAT Act No 14 of 2002
- PAL Act No 18 of 2011
- SSCL Act No 25 of 2022
Social protection laws relevant to customs practices include:
- Fauna & Flora Protection Ordinance
- Antiquities Ordinance

Recognition and Authority of Ship’s Agents

Section 114 allows ship’s agents to perform certain customs-related tasks upon consent from the ship's Master, with approval from the Deputy Director General Customs (DGC).

Customs Power over Ships and Cargo

Section 27 mandates that customs officers have full cognizance of all ships entering ports in Sri Lanka.
Section 28 requires the Master of every ship to report to Customs within 24 hours of arrival, detailing cargo.
- Recent amendments stipulate long transit cargo reports must occur within 72 hours and short transit cargo must be reported immediately upon departure from the last port.
Section 29 mandates delivery of the cargo manifest by the Master to the DGC when reporting.
Section 30 grants customs officers the right to board ships and remain on board until goods are delivered.
Section 31 allows customs officers to be stationed on board ships, with masters required to provide suitable accommodation.
Section 32 imposes a penalty of up to Rs. 25,000 for ships arriving without necessary clearance or papers.
Section 34 prohibits unlading of goods unless a sufferance is granted by the DGC, ensuring compliance with customs regulations.

Explore the rich history and essential functions of Sri Lanka Customs, from its early references in the 2nd century to the establishment of key legal frameworks. This quiz covers import taxes, regulation of goods, and investigation of customs offenses, providing a comprehensive overview of customs practices in Sri Lanka.

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