Sri Lanka Customs has firmly rejected claims circulating on social media regarding the introduction of a new tax on small parcel imports clarifying that recent procedural changes are intended solely to ensure the accurate application of existing customs duties based on product value and classification.

Speaking to the media, Customs Media Spokesman and Additional Director Seevali Arukgoda stressed that there has been no increase in tax rates nor any disruption to the clearance of imported parcels.

“We are not increasing duties — we are simply charging the correct, approved amounts. The issue previously was that many goods were undervalued and taxes were calculated on inaccurate figures. What we’ve done now is correct that process,” Arukgoda explained.

He further noted that no parcels are being withheld at Customs and that duties remain in line with rates approved by Parliament. “Some have claimed duties were raised, but it’s the same rates being enforced more effectively,” he added.

Arukgoda pointed out that under the previous system, taxes were often calculated based on parcel weight or flat rates, which left room for manipulation and under-invoicing. The Department has now fully transitioned to a system based on the internationally recognized HS Code (Harmonized System) classification, which assigns duties according to the actual type and value of each item.

The Customs Department had provided prior notification to courier companies and importers, with a one-and-a-half-month notice period followed by a two-week transition window to adjust to the updated procedures.

“There is no hold-up at Customs. Any recipient who pays the correct, stipulated duty can have their parcel cleared without delay. No new duty has been introduced — we’re simply ensuring the proper, legal duty is applied,” Arukgoda reiterated.

He also assured the public that customers receiving online orders are not required to visit Customs offices in person, as clearance and delivery are managed by courier companies.