To import machinery to Sri Lanka or to Australia, you classify the machine, check duty and any preferential trade agreement, confirm that it meets local electrical and safety standards, and prepare documents that match. Sri Lanka leans on customs classification and standards marks. Australia adds strict biosecurity and workplace safety rules.
These rules change, so confirm them with a licensed customs broker in the destination country before you order.
Importing machinery to Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has a trade agreement with India, and some goods may qualify for reduced duty if origin rules are met. The origin certificate and the rules of origin are the work. Ask your broker whether your machine's code is covered and what certificate form is needed.
Check also whether the Sri Lanka Standards Institution or another body has a requirement for your equipment, especially electrical machines. Voltage in Sri Lanka is 230 V, 50 Hz; confirm the details in electrical standards by country.
Ask the supplier to confirm in the contract that it will supply origin documents in the form your broker asks for. This is easier to agree before the order than after shipment.
Importing machinery to Australia
Australia has its own safety and biosecurity requirements. Machinery for the workplace must usually meet state work health and safety rules, and users expect guards, emergency stops and clear labelling. Electrical equipment may need regulatory marking, and an importer should check the current rules.
Biosecurity is strict. Wooden packing must be treated in line with the international standard for wood packaging, and machines that have been in soil or used on farms can be inspected and cleaned at the border. A machine that arrives dirty or with untreated timber can be held or sent back.
Whichever country you choose, ask whether a pre-shipment inspection by an independent body is required or simply wise. For high-value machines, a short factory acceptance test attended by your own representative removes most later arguments.
How duty treatment is decided
Duty depends on tariff classification, origin and value. The same machine can fall under different codes depending on how it is described, which is why a precise description in the commercial invoice matters. Read import duties on Indian machinery for the general picture.
Ask your broker for a ruling or written classification before you order. A wrong code can cause back-payment of duty and penalties after the machine has been sold.
Keep the machine description consistent across every document, including model numbers and power ratings. Inconsistent descriptions are a common reason for customs queries.
Documents both countries will ask for
The standard set is the same, with details that differ. See documents to export machinery for the full set.
- Commercial invoice with a full technical description and the tariff code your broker has agreed.
- Packing list with weights, dimensions and package marks.
- Bill of lading or airway bill.
- Certificate of origin if you want a preferential rate.
- Wood packaging treatment certificate for Australia.
- Technical manuals and test records, which Australian users expect in English.
Next step
We find and audit machinery makers, witness factory tests, and supervise loading. Book a free sourcing review with the machine, destination and use, and we will list the documents and checks before you place the order.