Clearing a vehicle through Customs is not the end of the paperwork. Under the import regulations in force since February 2025, every imported car must be registered with the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) within 90 days of its Customs declaration, and the late fee for missing that deadline is large: 3% of the vehicle’s CIF value for every month, with no waiver.
This guide explains the rule from the regulation itself, shows what a delay costs, and lists the documents the DMT asks for.
The rule: 90 days from the CUSDEC date
The Imports and Exports (Control) Regulations published with Gazette Extraordinary No. 2421/44 (31 January 2025) lifted the suspension on vehicle imports with a set of conditions. Regulation 6.1 requires the importer to register the vehicle within 90 days from the date of the Bill of Entry (the Customs Declaration, or CUSDEC):
- in the buyer’s name, if a registered vehicle importer brought it in for sale; or
- in the importer’s own name, if it was imported for personal use.
The 90 days run from the CUSDEC date, not from the day the vehicle leaves the port or the day you receive it. If clearance takes a few weeks, that time comes out of your 90 days.
The late fee: 3% of CIF per month, up to 45%
Regulation 6.4 sets the penalty for registering late:
- a monthly late fee of 3% of the CIF value, calculated linearly (not compounded);
- any part of a month counts as a full month: being one day late costs the same as being 30 days late;
- a maximum of 45% of the CIF value;
- no waiver “under any circumstances”, and the DMT will not register the vehicle until the fee is paid.
The DMT’s own first-registration page adds that the penalty is not charged if the registration fees are paid by the day the 90-day period ends.
What a delay costs
For a car with a CIF value of Rs. 5,674,171 (a 2026 Honda Vezel hybrid assessed in September 2026):
| Registered | Months charged | Late fee (Rs.) |
|---|---|---|
| Within 90 days | 0 | 0 |
| 1 day to 30 days late | 1 | 170,225 |
| 31 to 60 days late | 2 | 340,450 |
| 4 months late | 4 | 680,901 |
| 15 months or more late | 15 (cap) | 2,553,377 |
A single day’s delay costs Rs. 170,225 on this car, nearly nine times the VEL and Customs fees combined (Rs. 19,000).
Other conditions in the same regulations
- Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN): the importer or buyer must submit an affidavit including their TIN issued by the Inland Revenue Department when registering (Regulation 6.2).
- One vehicle every 12 months for private importers: anyone who is not a vehicle importer registered with the DMT may import only one vehicle within 12 months of the CUSDEC date of their previous import (Regulation 6.3).
- The CUSDEC must show the gazette number and CIF value. Customs records the regulation’s gazette number in box 44 and the CIF value in box 46 of the declaration, which is why your CUSDEC carries a line such as “GAZETTE: 2421/44 OF 31.01.2025”. The DMT uses that CIF value for the late fee.
Documents the DMT asks for
The DMT’s first-registration page lists these documents. Some apply only in particular cases:
- MTA-2 application form, completed in English (free at the Head Office)
- Photocopy of your NIC, driving licence or passport
- Two certified photographs of the applicant
- Two photos of the vehicle (front and side views)
- Customs registration and the Customs Duty Assessment Notice (imported vehicles)
- Cancelled foreign registration certificate or export certificate, with an English copy (used vehicles)
- Export inspection certificate and packing list
- Customs link
- Certificate showing your TIN, and an affidavit certifying the TIN
- MTA-3 for registration of absolute ownership, or a copy of the mortgage deed if the vehicle is registered with a mortgage (for example under a lease)
- The prototype of the vehicle model or a weight certificate
- The import permit or duty exemption approval letter, where the vehicle was imported under one
Car registrations are handled at the DMT Head Office in Narahenpita, Colombo 05; the DMT’s district offices register motorcycles only. Left-hand-drive vehicles are not registered.
The DMT publishes its registration charges separately. Confirm the current fee with the DMT, the Government Information Centre (1919) or your clearing agent before you go.
A simple timeline to stay safe
- Day 0: the CUSDEC is lodged. Note the date; your 90 days start here.
- During clearance: ask your agent for the assessment notice, the Customs registration documents and the export certificate as soon as they are ready.
- Before day 60: have the TIN certificate, affidavit and photos ready, and book your visit to the Narahenpita office.
- Before day 90: pay the registration fees. Paying by the 90th day avoids the late fee.
Plan the whole cost
Registration comes after the import taxes. Estimate those first with the PiXAMP import tax calculator, and see how to read the Customs assessment notice the DMT will ask for.
Sources
- Imports and Exports (Control) Regulations, Gazette Extraordinary No. 2421/44 of 31 January 2025, Regulations 6.1 to 6.4 (regulation text).
- Department of Motor Traffic, First Registration â Vehicle.
This guide summarises the regulations in plain language and is not legal advice. Requirements can change; confirm with the Department of Motor Traffic before you apply.