Which vehicle type has the lowest import taxes?

Electric vehicles (EVs) have the lowest taxes at 0% customs duty. Hybrids are next at 15-30%. Petrol/diesel vehicles have the highest taxes at 100%+ customs duty depending on engine size.

Does engine size affect import tax?

Yes, significantly. Vehicles over 1500cc pay higher customs duty rates. For petrol cars: under 1000cc pays 100%, 1000-1500cc pays 150%, and over 1500cc pays 200%+ customs duty.

Should I import a new or used vehicle?

Used vehicles have lower CIF prices but may have higher tax rates due to age-based depreciation limits. New vehicles have higher CIF but may qualify for better financing. Compare total landed costs.

How accurate is this comparison?

The calculator uses official gazette rates and is accurate for standard imports. Actual costs may vary slightly due to exchange rate fluctuations, port charges, and clearing agent fees.

What are the best vehicles to import to Sri Lanka in 2026?

EVs (BYD Atto 3, Tesla Model Y) have lowest taxes. Hybrids (Toyota Aqua, Honda Vezel) offer good value. Small petrol cars (Suzuki WagonR, Toyota Raize) have moderate taxes. Avoid large engine SUVs due to 200%+ customs duty.

How does the vehicle age affect import taxes?

Vehicles over 3 years old face higher excise duty rates. New and up to 2-year-old vehicles get the best rates. Vehicles over 5 years may be prohibited from import depending on category. Always check current regulations before importing.

Vehicle Comparator

Compare total import costs of multiple vehicles side-by-side

USD Rate

✓ Best Value

Vehicle Type

Engine (cc)

CIF (USD)

Age (months)

Total Landed Cost

Rs. 19,557,600

CIF: $20,000

CIF (LKR)Rs. 5,900,000

Customs Duty (CID)Rs. 1,770,000

Excise Duty (XID)Rs. 6,675,000

VATRs. 3,009,600

SurchargeRs. 885,000

Luxury Tax (LTMV)Rs. 900,000

SSCL (2.5%)Rs. 418,000

Total TaxRs. 13,657,600

Tax %231%

✓ Best Value

Vehicle Type

Engine (cc)

CIF (USD)

Age (months)

Total Landed Cost

Rs. 19,557,600

CIF: $20,000

CIF (LKR)Rs. 5,900,000

Customs Duty (CID)Rs. 1,770,000

Excise Duty (XID)Rs. 6,675,000

VATRs. 3,009,600

SurchargeRs. 885,000

Luxury Tax (LTMV)Rs. 900,000

SSCL (2.5%)Rs. 418,000

Total TaxRs. 13,657,600

Tax %231%

Comparison Summary

Lowest Cost

Vehicle A

Rs. 19,557,600

Highest Cost

Vehicle A

Rs. 19,557,600

Difference

Rs. 0

0.0% more

Need help choosing the right vehicle?

Get expert advice on your vehicle comparison

Data updated July 2026

Vehicle Comparison Criteria: What to Look For

When comparing vehicles for import, consider these key factors beyond just the purchase price. Total cost of ownership includes taxes, fuel, insurance, and maintenance over the vehicle's lifetime.

Criteria	Why It Matters	Impact on Cost
CIF Price	Base value for all tax calculations	Every Rs. 100K CIF adds Rs. 200-300K in taxes
Engine Capacity	Determines excise duty bracket	Over 1500cc can add 50%+ to tax bill
Fuel Type	EV/Hybrid get significant tax breaks	EV: 0% customs vs Petrol: 100-200%
Vehicle Age	Older vehicles face higher rates	3+ years: 10-25% higher excise duty
Luxury Tax Threshold	Adds 5-10% on high-value vehicles	Triggers at Rs. 3.5M-5M depending on type
Fuel Efficiency	Affects long-term running costs	Hybrid saves Rs. 30K+/year in fuel

Example: Hybrid vs Petrol vs EV Comparison

Compare three popular vehicles with similar CIF prices to see how fuel type affects total landed cost.

Vehicle	Toyota Aqua (Hybrid)	Suzuki Swift (Petrol)	Nissan Leaf (EV)
CIF Price	$12,000	$12,000	$12,000
Engine	1500cc Hybrid	1200cc Petrol	Electric
Customs Duty	~15%	~100%	0%
Excise Duty	Moderate	High	Low
Luxury Tax	No	No	No
Est. Total Landed	~Rs. 5.5M	~Rs. 7.8M	~Rs. 4.2M
Fuel Cost/km	~Rs. 15	~Rs. 25	~Rs. 8

Figures are estimates for illustration. Actual costs depend on exact CIF, age, and current tax rates. Use the calculator above for precise calculations.

Example: Comparing 3 vehicles

Sample Inputs

Toyota Aqua (Hybrid)$12,000 CIF

Honda Fit (Petrol)$10,000 CIF

Suzuki Swift (Petrol)$8,000 CIF

Aqua Landed CostLower tax rate~Rs. 6.5M

Fit Landed CostHigher tax rate~Rs. 7.2M

Swift Landed CostSmallest engine~Rs. 5.8M

Best ValueSuzuki Swift (lowest total cost)

What This Calculator Does

This tool compares the total import cost of multiple vehicles side-by-side. Enter up to 4 vehicles and see which offers the best value after all taxes and duties are calculated.

Compare up to 4 vehicles simultaneously
Shows complete tax breakdown for each
Identifies lowest and highest cost options
Supports all vehicle types (petrol, diesel, hybrid, EV)
Uses current gazette tax rates

Inputs and Assumptions

CIF Price (USD)Cost, Insurance, Freight price (e.g., $15,000)

Vehicle TypePetrol, diesel, hybrid, or electric (e.g., Petrol)

Engine CapacityEngine size in CC (e.g., 1500cc)

Vehicle AgeAge in months (e.g., 6 months)

Assumptions

- Exchange rate: ~Rs. 295/USD
- 2024 gazette tax rates apply
- Standard import (not permit)
- No special exemptions

Frequently Asked Questions

Enter the CIF price, engine capacity, and vehicle type for each vehicle you want to compare. The calculator shows total landed cost including customs duty, PAL, VAT, and other taxes for each vehicle side-by-side.

Landed cost includes: CIF price, customs duty, PAL (Ports and Airports Levy), NBT, VAT, and luxury tax if applicable. It doesn't include registration, insurance, or clearing agent fees.

CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) is the total value of the vehicle including purchase price, insurance, and shipping to Sri Lanka. All taxes are calculated as percentages of CIF. A higher CIF means higher taxes. Accurately declaring CIF is legally required — under-declaration is tax evasion.