BYD Sealion 6 DM-i Superior 2025 Import Tax in Sri Lanka

Ranked the 6th most imported vehicle in Sri Lanka with an estimated 1,301 units registered in 2025, the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i Superior has quickly become one of the most sought-after plug-in hybrid SUVs in the market. Officially distributed by John Keells CG Auto, it benefits from an established support network that gives buyers added confidence. Powering this mid-size SUV is a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with a 160 kW front electric motor, offering up to 170 km of pure electric range a compelling proposition given Sri Lanka's rising fuel costs.

For import tax purposes, the vehicle falls under HS Code 8703.60.35 as a petrol PHEV passenger car with a 1,497 cc engine. Based on a CIF value of LKR 6,760,000 (converted from JPY at 1 JPY = 2 LKR), total import taxes come to LKR 11,334,906 an effective tax rate of 167.7% of CIF. This brings the total landed cost to approximately LKR 18,094,906, meaning taxes alone are nearly 1.6 times the vehicle's base CIF value.

Buyers considering the Sealion 6 should account for the significant excise duty component of LKR 5,164,650, which is the single largest tax item. While the PHEV classification currently avoids PAL and CESS charges, the overall tax burden remains substantial. Registration, insurance, and dealer margins are additional costs not reflected in these figures.