The government has made compliance with Sri Lanka Standards (SLS) compulsory for imported passenger car tyres and pneumatic tyres used on three-wheeled motor vehicles, with the new requirement taking effect from 1st January 2027.

The regulations were issued by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969. They were published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2508/27, dated 1 October 2026.

Identified as the Imports and Exports (Control) Regulations No. 08 of 2026, the new rules amend the Standardization and Quality Control Regulations introduced through Extraordinary Gazette No. 2384/35, dated 17 May 2024.

The amendment introduces two additional tyre categories to Schedule B, which contains imported goods required to meet specified national standards.

Passenger car tyres classified under HS Code 4011.10.90 will be required to conform to SLS 1212, the national specification for passenger car tyres. Pneumatic tyres intended for three-wheeled motor vehicles, classified under HS Code 4011.90.10, will have to meet the requirements of SLS 1347.

The new requirements will apply to the relevant tyres arriving at any port or airport in Sri Lanka on or after 1 January 2027.