Question 1

What is the total cost to import a BYD Dolphin 2025 to Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Based on a FOB price of JPY 2,425,000 with freight and insurance of JPY 300,000, the CIF value in LKR comes to LKR 5,450,000 (at 1 JPY = 2 LKR). After applying all applicable taxes  Customs Import Duty, Surcharge, Excise Duty, and VAT  total taxes amount to LKR 5,159,734, bringing the total import cost to LKR 10,609,734. This figure excludes local registration fees, number plates, and insurance, which are payable separately.

Question 2

What taxes apply when importing a BYD Dolphin into Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The BYD Dolphin (HS Code 8703.80.32) attracts four main taxes at the border: Customs Import Duty of LKR 1,090,000, a Surcharge of LKR 545,000, Excise Duty of LKR 1,687,000, and VAT of LKR 1,618,434. Social Security Contribution Levy (SSCL) of LKR 219,300 (2.5% on the VAT-equivalent base) applies, while PAL and CESS are zero, for this vehicle under the current rates, which makes the Dolphin comparatively cost-efficient within the EV import category. The effective tax rate works out to approximately 94.7% of the CIF value.

Question 3

Is the BYD Dolphin cheaper to import than a petrol car of similar price?

Accepted Answer

Electric vehicles like the BYD Dolphin are assessed under a separate HS code (8703.80.32) and attract a different duty structure compared to petrol or diesel passenger cars. Crucially, no Luxury Tax applies to the Dolphin under current rules, whereas many petrol vehicles in a similar price bracket may attract Luxury Tax depending on engine capacity. However, Excise Duty remains significant at LKR 1,687,000. Overall, the Dolphin's effective tax rate of 94.7% of CIF is broadly comparable to mid-range petrol imports, but the zero Luxury Tax is a real advantage.

Question 4

Does buying a BYD Dolphin through John Keells CG Auto affect import taxes?

Accepted Answer

Import duties and taxes are determined by the vehicle's HS code, CIF value, and applicable rate schedules  not by whether you buy through an authorised dealer or import privately. The tax figures shown here apply equally to both channels. That said, purchasing through the official distributor, John Keells CG Auto, means the vehicle will have been cleared and registered through standard commercial import channels, and you benefit from local warranty coverage, authorised servicing, and manufacturer-backed parts availability.

Question 5

Are there additional costs beyond the LKR 10,350,960 import total?

Accepted Answer

Yes  the LKR 10,609,734 figure covers CIF value plus all customs-stage taxes only. After vehicle release, you will need to pay vehicle registration fees at the Department of Motor Traffic, number plate charges, and a third-party or comprehensive insurance premium before the vehicle can be legally driven. Depending on your province, revenue licence (road tax) fees will also apply annually. For EVs, road tax is generally lower than for petrol vehicles, which partly offsets the import cost over time.

Tax Component	Rate	Amount (LKR)
CIF Value (Cost + Insurance + Freight)		LKR 5,450,000
Customs Import Duty (CID)	20%	LKR 1,090,000
Surcharge on CID	50%	LKR 545,000
Excise Duty	See excise schedule	LKR 1,687,000
Luxury Tax	N/A	LKR 0
Ports & Airports Levy (PAL)	Exempt	LKR 0
CESS	N/A	LKR 0
SSCL	2.5%	LKR 219,300
VAT	18%	LKR 1,618,434
Total Taxes	94.67% of CIF	LKR 5,159,734
Total Import Cost		LKR 10,609,734

Vehicle	FOB Price	Total Taxes	Total Cost	Tax Rate
BYD Dolphin 2025	JPY 2,425,000	LKR 5,159,734	LKR 10,609,734	94.7%
BAW E7 Pro 2025	JPY 975,000	LKR 1,950,270	LKR 4,210,270	86.3%
BYD Atto 3 2025	JPY 3,200,000	LKR 10,845,418	LKR 17,495,418	163.1%

BYD Dolphin 2025 Import Tax in Sri Lanka

Specifications

About the BYD Dolphin 2025

Key Highlights

Tax Breakdown

Tax Buildup

Tax Composition

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