Sri Lanka food import demand and duties
Sri Lanka depends on imports for most of its pulses, spices and sugar. Below are Woodlands Company's estimates of the monthly import requirement for the main commodities, based on more than four decades in the trade.
Updated
Key figures
- Sugar: 35,000–40,000 metric tonnes a month, Sri Lanka's largest food import by volume.
- Lentils: 8,000–9,000 metric tonnes a month, the largest pulse import, mostly red split lentils (Mysore parippu).
- Dry chillies: 2,800 metric tonnes a month. Garlic: 2,100 metric tonnes a month.
- Imports fall when local produce is in season, and import duties are often raised at the same time to protect local farmers.
How much food does Sri Lanka import each month?
These figures hold for most months but change with the local harvest. When local produce is in season, imports fall.
Sugar is Sri Lanka's largest food import by volume. The country needs an estimated 35,000 to 40,000 metric tonnes a month, about four times the volume of all lentils, so it is shown separately from the chart below.
Monthly import requirement by commodity
Metric tonnes a month, excluding sugar. Source: Woodlands Company estimates.
| Commodity | Import requirement (MT a month) |
|---|---|
| Sugar | 35,000–40,000 |
| Lentils (red & yellow) | 8,000–9,000 |
| Dry chillies | 2,800 |
| Garlic | 2,100 |
| Yellow split peas | 1,800 |
| Chickpeas | 1,300 |
| Coriander | 900 |
| Orid gota & black mape | 850 |
| Mung beans | 800 |
| Cowpea | 500 |
| Sago seed | 360 |
| Cumin seed | 300 |
| Methi seed | 300 |
| Mustard | 300 |
| Turmeric | 260 |
| Fennel seed | 250 |
| Chana dhal | 250 |
| Raisin | 150–200 |
| Kurakan (red millet) | 100 |
You may quote these figures with credit to Woodlands Company (woodlands.lk).
What import duty applies to food commodities in Sri Lanka?
Duty is set per commodity by HS code, usually as rupees per kilogram. Sri Lanka changes these rates often: they rise to protect local produce in season and fall afterwards to keep prices down. The table below is a historical reference.
Rates as at 1 November 2017. Always confirm current rates with Sri Lanka Customs before importing.
| Commodity | HS code | Duty (Rs./kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar (white) | 1701.14.10 | 31 |
| Sugar (brown) | 1701.14.00 | 33 |
| Red lentils (split) | 0713.40.12 | 3 |
| Red lentils (whole) | 0713.40.11 | 1 |
| Yellow lentils (split) | 0713.40.22 | 3 |
| Yellow lentils (whole) | 0713.40.21 | 1 |
| Garlic | 0703.20 | 40 |
| Yellow split peas (YSP) | 0713.10.10 | 18 |
| Chickpeas | 0713.20.10 | 7 |
| Black mape | 0713.31.29 | 60 |
| Mung beans | 0713.31.19 | 40 |
| Chana dhal | 0713.20.20 | 10 |
| Black eye beans | 0713.35.90 | 70 |
| Chillies | 0904.21.10 | 25 |
| Coriander | 0909.21.00 | 26 |
| Turmeric | 0910.30.10 | 102 |
| Cumin seed | 0909.31.00 | 162 |
| Fennel seed | 0909.61.20 | 52 |
| Methi seed | 0910.99.10 | 50 |
| Red millet (kurakan) | 1008.21.10 | 70 |
| Mustard | 1207.50 | 62 |
| Dates | 0804.10.10 | 40 |
| Canned fish | 1604.15 | 50 |
| Rice | 1006.30 | 0.25 |
| Sago seed | 1903.00 | Duty 30%; PAL 7.5%; NBT 4%; VAT 11% |
| Popcorn | 1005.90 | Duty 15%; EIC 35%; PAL 7.5%; NBT 2%; VAT 15% |
| Raisin | 0806.20 | Duty Rs. 120/kg; CID 30%; PAL 7.5%; NBT 2%; VAT 11% |
| Monosodium glutamate | 2106.90.39 | PAL 7.5%; NBT 2%; VAT 11% |
Where can I check today's food prices in Sri Lanka?
For daily wholesale and retail prices of dhal, sugar, rice and other key items, see the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Daily Price Report. For bulk trade prices on any commodity we supply, ask our sales team.
Import data questions
How much sugar does Sri Lanka import each month?
Around 35,000 to 40,000 metric tonnes a month, according to Woodlands Company estimates. Sugar is Sri Lanka's largest food commodity import by volume.
How many lentils does Sri Lanka import each month?
Around 8,000 to 9,000 metric tonnes of lentils a month, according to Woodlands Company estimates. Red split lentils (Mysore parippu) make up most of it.
Where can I check today's dhal and sugar prices in Sri Lanka?
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka publishes a Daily Price Report with wholesale and retail prices for key food items, including dhal and sugar, in the main markets.
Where can I find current import duty rates for Sri Lanka?
Duty rates change often, especially around local harvest seasons. Check the current tariff with Sri Lanka Customs (customs.gov.lk) or your clearing agent before importing.
Need a price on bulk quantities?
Tell us the commodity, grade and volume. Our sales centre in Pettah will reply with availability and a price.