Frequently Asked Questions
General Services
What is personal baggage handling?
Personal baggage handling is a specialist service that assists passengers, migrant workers, expatriates, and returning Sri Lankans with the customs clearance, storage, and delivery of unaccompanied baggage and personal effects arriving by air or sea cargo.
Who can use MIDCO's services?
Our services are designed for returning Sri Lankan residents, overseas workers, students, expatriates relocating to Sri Lanka, diplomats and embassy staff, and foreign nationals importing personal effects.
Can someone collect my baggage on my behalf?
Yes. An authorised representative may collect your baggage by presenting a valid authorisation letter along with the required identification documents.
Do you provide cargo unpacking and loading assistance?
Yes, we provide unpacking and loading assistance as part of our cargo handling services.
Customs Clearance
What is a Customs Bond Warehouse?
A customs bond warehouse is a secure facility approved by Sri Lanka Customs where imported personal baggage can be stored until customs clearance is completed and any applicable duties are settled.
What documents are required for baggage clearance?
Typically required documents include: Valid Passport, National Identity Card (NIC), Air Waybill (AWB) or Bill of Lading (B/L), arrival details, customs declaration documents, and an authorisation letter if applicable. Additional documents may be requested depending on the shipment.
Are customs duties applicable to personal baggage?
Customs duties and taxes depend on the type, quantity, value, and eligibility of the imported items. Our customs specialists can guide you on applicable regulations and any available concessions.
Can I import used household goods duty-free when returning to Sri Lanka?
Yes — Sri Lankan passport allowances may apply. Our team can advise you on eligibility based on your specific circumstances.
What items are restricted or prohibited by Sri Lanka Customs?
Certain items may be restricted or prohibited under Sri Lankan import regulations. We recommend contacting our team before shipping if you have any uncertainty about the contents of your baggage.
What items are exempt from customs duty?
For detailed and up-to-date information on duty exemptions, please refer to the official Sri Lanka Customs website: customs.gov.lk
Warehousing & Storage
How long can my baggage remain in a bonded warehouse?
Storage duration is governed by Sri Lanka Customs regulations and the conditions of your shipment. Our team will advise you on the permitted storage period and any applicable charges upon arrival.
Do you provide storage for personal effects awaiting customs clearance?
Yes. We provide secure bonded warehouse storage for personal baggage and household goods until all customs clearance requirements are fulfilled.
Air & Sea Cargo
Do you provide customs clearance for air cargo baggage?
Yes. We provide complete air cargo baggage handling and customs clearance services for personal effects arriving at Sri Lankan airports.
Do you handle sea cargo personal effects and household goods?
Yes. We assist with customs clearance, bonded storage, and delivery for personal effects and household goods arriving via sea freight.
Do you handle diplomatic and embassy shipments?
Yes. Please contact our team directly for information on diplomatic shipment handling procedures.
Do you handle excess airline baggage shipments?
Yes. You can include our details in the notify party section of the MAWB (Master Air Waybill) and we will manage the process from there.
Delivery, Tracking & Costs
Can you deliver my baggage anywhere in Sri Lanka?
Yes. We offer reliable island-wide delivery following customs clearance, covering Colombo, Negombo, Kandy, Galle, Kurunegala, Jaffna, Batticaloa, and all other locations across Sri Lanka.
How can I track my personal baggage shipment?
Contact our customer support team with your AWB number, shipment reference, or Bill of Lading number to receive up-to-date shipment status and clearance information.
How much does baggage handling and customs clearance cost?
Costs vary depending on shipment size and weight, storage requirements, customs processing complexity, and delivery destination. Please contact us for a personalised quotation.
Can you assist with customs documentation if I am overseas?
Yes. Please reach out to us via our dedicated WhatsApp number and our team will guide you through the documentation process remotely.
Still Have Questions?
Our customer support team is happy to assist with personal baggage clearance, customs documentation, bonded warehouse storage, air and sea cargo handling, and island-wide delivery.