Notices

As per a directive from the Hon. Johnston Fernando, Minister of Roads & Highways and Ports & Shipping, all ports and terminals shall be moving to an online platform to minimize human contact between Customs House Agents at Documentation Centres.

Hambantota International Port (HIP) is in the process of implementing the electronic vehicle clearance for Custom House Agents (CHAs) to lodge import vehicle clearance documentation and in turn for CHA’s to receive an electronic Import Cargo Delivery Pass (e-ICDP) from HIPG.

Therefore, we request all stakeholders to prepare themselves to move into an online system. While the offline system will continue to take place, we have enabled a testing environment for the online system for selected shipping lines and CHAs from Monday, 11th May. The fully online process will commence from Monday, 18th May 2020. Thereafter, the HIPG Documentation Centre will accept only documents submitted online.

The process consists of the following steps,

• Shipping line to send scanned copies of D/O, B/Ls to HIPG Documentation Centre at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• CHA’s to scan and email all clearance documents to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. along with the details of the Wharf Clerk designated to clear the vehicle from Hambantota.
  • D/O (If it’s a Sub D/O , Master DO also should attached)
  • Endorsed Bill of lading (B/L)
  • Commercial Invoice
  • Export Certificate
  • Assessment Notice or CUSDEC copy along with CHA ID
• HIPG will check and verify the documents and send the payment advice to the customer.
• CHA to do the payment via online transfers or bank deposits and send the payment receipt to HIPG.
• Upon confirmation of payment, HIPG will issue an electronic Import Cargo Delivery pass (e-ICDP) – PDF file via email to CHA.
• CHA to take one printed copy with the clearing Wharf Clerk in order to produce to the SL Customs for necessary approvals.
• At the same time, e-ICDP will be sent to Customs at HIP and HIPG Customer Service Division (CSD) in Hambantota.

The purpose of this SOP is to guide and control the customer service procedure in light with the prevailing global situation on COVID-19. It aims to establish a secure and safe way of maintaining customer relations and day-to-day Business activities.

• It is required to monitor body temperature every 4 hours and recorded. If the temperature exceeds 37.3 Celsius, the respective suspect shall be reported to the ETC for investigation / isolation/ hospitalization as per the HIP, SOP.
• Refrain from shaking hands.
• In the event you are in contact with a contaminated surface immediately wash your hands and use an alcohol based sanitizer.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
• It is always compulsory to maintain social distancing and wear PPE.
• Visitors travelling from other districts are recommended to obtain PHI certificates to ensure easy access to HTA district.
• If you feel that you are suffering from a cough, fever, running nose and/or difficulty in breathing, get the relevant official informed and seek medical advice immediately.