Hambantota International Port Group enhances vehicle clearance efficiency

HIP team responsible for speedy clearance of vehicles

Safe storage of vehicles in HIP yard

The Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) has responded decisively to the recent complaints regarding the delays in vehicle clearance. 

Since February 2025, more than 9,151 vehicles, both used and brand new, have entered the country through the Hambantota International Port (HIP), placing increased demand on port operations. In light of this, the HIPG has implemented a series of system upgrades and procedural improvements at the port, to reduce the bottlenecks and accelerate the clearing process.

The new processes allow vehicles to be cleared within 24 hours of submitting the required documentation, provided the customs formalities are properly completed. A key improvement in the new system is the decoupling of the customs clearance process from the HIPG’s internal payment requirement. 

The vehicles that have been released by the HIP can now be moved to the customs inspection bay immediately, even before the completion of the port-related payments. This proactive step ensures that the payments are finalised in parallel, ensuring the clearance proceeds without unnecessary delays.

To further improve efficiency, the port has extended the operating hours of its Documentation Centre, which will remain open until 2030 hours on weekdays and 1300 hours on Saturdays.  

The HIPG’s Customer Service Division will also remain open until 2200 hrs every weekday, to facilitate easy acceptance of vehicle shifting requests (VSRs) for vehicle transfers. The new systems provide wharf clerks and importers additional time to process documents and complete payments on the same day. 

In addition, the HIPG continues to offer a 10-day free period, during which no demurrage will be charged. Charges will only be applicable from the 11th day onwards. The 10-day grace period is intended to ease the financial burden on the importers and allow sufficient time for vehicle removal.

The HIPG has invested considerably in infrastructure enhancements to support the increase of vehicle imports. A dedicated customs inspection bay has been established, equipped with round-the-clock CCTV surveillance and high-intensity lighting to ensure thorough and secure inspections. Vehicles are stored in secure, well-managed yards with overflow capacity for new arrivals and vehicle processing stations have been set up to facilitate the smooth transition of vehicles from port to market. The port also provides designated waiting areas with basic amenities for wharf clerks and drivers involved in the clearance process.

In addition to operational and infrastructure improvements, the HIPG works closely with the industry stakeholders to identify and resolve the challenges. A meeting with the Wharf Clerk Association was recently convened, during which several key issues were addressed.

The participants were reminded to ensure that all documentation is accurate, complete and clearly legible to avoid processing errors. The HIPG also emphasised the need to submit VSRs and supporting authentication documents correctly to prevent unnecessary delays. In addition, two dedicated kiosks have been prepared at the port to fast-track vehicle clearance, subject to customs formalities.