Govt Tightens Import Regulations to Shield Domestic Tire Manufacturers

Under the banner of ensuring a fair playing field for domestic industries, the government has moved to enforce strict quality compliance on imported motor vehicle tires. Acting on recommendations from the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal submitted by the President—in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development—to present the Import and Export (Control) Regulations No. 08 of 2026 to Parliament for official approval. The decision was announced in the Cabinet media statement issued on October 19, 2026, subject to confirmation at the next meeting.

While framed primarily around consumer safety and product standards, these regulatory barriers act as key instruments of state protectionism, creating entry hurdles for foreign vendors to support local industrial capacity.

To execute this mechanism, current import rules were amended via Extraordinary Gazette No. 2508/27, published on October 01, 2026. Under the new decree, imports of passenger car tires under HS Code 4011.10.90 must adhere to Sri Lanka Standard (SLS) 1212, while pneumatic tires for three-wheelers under HS Code 4011.90.10 are required to meet SLS 1347. By making these standards mandatory prior to market entry, the policy restricts non-compliant foreign imports, cementing the government’s commitment to safeguarding local industry against foreign market pressures.