Taking a gemstone out of Sri Lanka: what the rules actually require

Every year a number of visitors buy a gemstone in Colombo or Ratnapura and discover at the airport that carrying it home is a regulated act rather than a casual one. The rules are not difficult. They are simply not something most buyers think to ask about until it is late.

Who governs it

Two bodies. The National Gem and Jewellery Authority regulates the gem and jewellery industry under the National Gem and Jewellery Authority Act. Sri Lanka Customs operates a dedicated Gem Unit which handles imports and exports of precious metals, gems and jewellery.

What the process involves

• Stones carried in passenger baggage require prior approval from the NGJA.
• They must then be properly declared to customs at the airport rather than placed in checked luggage.
• Cut and polished gemstones can attract zero export duty and zero VAT, which is the main benefit for registered traders.
• Undeclared stones are a customs offence, with confiscation and penalties the stated consequence.

Currency declaration thresholds apply separately and change from time to time. Confirm the current figures with Sri Lanka Customs before you travel rather than relying on a summary.

What this means if you are buying

Two things. First, if you buy in person, ask the seller to arrange NGJA approval before you go anywhere near the airport, and get the paperwork in your hand.

Second, if you buy from abroad, none of this is your problem. A licensed exporter handles the declaration, the duty position and the insured shipment. That is a large part of what you are paying for, and it is worth confirming the seller is actually licensed before you transfer money.

These rules change. Confirm the current position with the NGJA and the Sri Lanka Customs Gem Unit directly. If you would rather not deal with any of it, talk to a gemmologist and we will ship the stone to you with its report.