Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe has addressed public outcry over alleged new taxes on AliExpress and online parcels, clarifying that no new levy has been imposed. Instead, a tax system overhaul is underway to prevent misuse and protect local industries. While the change affects low-cost imports, especially under-declared parcels, exemptions for education-related goods are being considered.
Amidst rising concern over reports of a new tax on AliExpress and online parcel imports, Deputy Minister of Industry and Enterprise Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe took to social media to set the record straight.
Responding to viral claims, the Deputy Minister clarified that the government has not imposed a new tax on online shopping platforms like AliExpress, but rather updated the tax calculation method used for clearing individual imported items. This change, he emphasized, is intended to protect local industries, enhance transparency, and curb long-standing abuses in the duty-free system.
Previously, parcels under one kilogram were subject to a flat tax of Rs. 800, and in many instances, importers declared lower values to exploit duty-free exemptions. This practice, officials say, cost the government significant revenue and unfairly undercut domestic businesses.
Under the revised system, customs duties will now be calculated based on both the weight of the parcel and the HS code (Harmonized System Code), which identifies the type of product. This ensures that taxes are more reflective of the actual value and nature of the items being brought into the country.
Abeysinghe acknowledged growing criticism from students and researchers, who are concerned about taxes being applied to educational materials and scientific equipment. He assured the public that these are temporary challenges and that the government is working toward introducing regulatory exemptions for academic and scientific imports.
“This is how it is when systems change. There’s no need to panic,” said the Deputy Minister, insisting that the adjustment is part of a broader push to bring order to a tax system that has been gamed for years.
As Sri Lanka grapples with its economic recovery, such policy changes aim to strike a balance between import convenience and domestic protection, while eliminating loopholes that have long enabled invoice undervaluation and misuse of duty-free privileges.
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