HIPG increases the effectiveness of vehicle clearance

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

The new processes allow vehicles to be cleared within 24 hours of submitting the required documentation, provided customs formalities are properly completed. A key improvement in the new system is the decoupling of the customs clearance process from HIPG’s internal payment requirement. Vehicles that have been released by the Hambantota International Port (HIP) can now be moved to the Customs inspection Bay immediately, even before the completion of port-related payments.

This proactive step ensures that payments are finalised in parallel, ensuring clearance proceeds without unnecessary delays. To further improve efficiency, the port has extended operating hours of its Documentation Center, which will remain open until 20:30 hours on weekdays and 1300 hours on Saturdays. HIPG’s Customer Service Division will also remain open until 22:00 hrs every weekday, to facilitate easy acceptance of 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, 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 importers and allow sufficient time for vehicle removal. 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, HIPG works closely with industry stakeholders to identify and resolve challenges. A meeting with the Wharf Clerk Association was recently convened, during which several key issues were addressed.

Participants were reminded to ensure that all documentation is accurate, complete, and clearly legible to avoid processing errors. HIPG also emphasised the need to submit Vehicle Shifting Requests (VSR) 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. The current surge in vehicle imports followed a period of dormancy during the ban, during which HIPG had scaled down its gate operations.

With demand now returning, HIPG has reinstated its gate operation staff to meet the increased throughput. As of this week, adequate personnel are on duty to manage vehicle processing efficiently and without disruption. HIPG remains committed to ensuring efficient, transparent, and responsive port operations, working in close coordination with customs authorities, importers, and the wider logistics community. These latest reforms demonstrate the port’s readiness to meet growing demands while upholding service quality and operational integrity.