Market
In Sri Lanka, potato starch (HS 110813) appears to be a small-volume, import-supplied ingredient market. UN Comtrade data via WITS reports 10,141 kg imported in 2023 (predominantly from China) and 3,103 kg in 2024 (again predominantly from China), suggesting irregular, niche demand rather than domestic bulk production. Exports are negligible (WITS reports 50 kg exported in 2023, to Maldives), reinforcing Sri Lanka’s role as a non-exporting market for this product. Market access and continuity are sensitive to Sri Lanka’s import-control licensing measures that have covered “starches” under foreign-exchange-driven controls, and to packaged-food labeling rules in force from 1 January 2026 under the Food (Labelling and Advertising) Regulations (as amended).
Market RoleNet importer (small-volume)
Domestic RolePrimarily a functional ingredient demand segment; industry reporting for Sri Lanka’s starch market indicates potato starch (including modified potato starch) is used as a thickener/substitute starch in food formulations such as soups and sauces.
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighSri Lanka’s foreign-exchange-crisis-driven import controls have covered “starches” under Imports and Exports (Control) Regulations No. 06 (2022), including licensing requirements prior to shipment; if HS 1108.13 is treated as within scope at the time of import, failure to secure the required license can block or delay clearance.Before booking shipment, confirm with the importer/broker whether HS 1108.13 currently requires an Import Control Licence and obtain it prior to the shipped-on-board date; keep contingency lead time for license processing and potential quantitative/price restrictions.
Regulatory Compliance MediumPackaged potato starch sold/cleared as food must comply with Sri Lanka’s Food (Labelling and Advertising) Regulations (2022, as amended), with provisions in operation from 1 January 2026; label non-compliance can trigger detention, relabeling, or delayed release.Run a pre-shipment label and artwork check against the applicable Sri Lankan labeling requirements for imported packaged foods (including country-of-origin and importer identification where required) and align the importer’s relabeling plan if importing in bulk for repacking.
Tariffs And Taxes MediumFor HS 1108.13, Sri Lanka Customs tariff schedule shows multiple layers of charges (General Duty, VAT, PAL, Cess, SSCL), which can materially raise landed cost for a low-to-mid value ingredient and make small consignments uneconomic.Model landed cost using the importer’s exact regime and intended use, consolidate shipments where feasible, and evaluate functional substitutes (e.g., other starch sources) if total duty/tax burden is prohibitive.
FAQ
Is Sri Lanka mainly an importer or exporter of potato starch (HS 110813)?Sri Lanka is mainly an importer. UN Comtrade data via WITS reports imports of 10,141 kg in 2023 and 3,103 kg in 2024, while exports were negligible (50 kg recorded in 2023, to Maldives).
Which countries supplied Sri Lanka’s potato starch imports most recently in the trade data?WITS lists China as the dominant supplier by both value and volume in 2023 and 2024 for HS 110813, with small additional quantities from partners such as Singapore and India (and a very small quantity from the Netherlands in 2024).
What is the Sri Lanka customs tariff line and headline duty/tax components for potato starch?Sri Lanka Customs classifies potato starch under HS 1108.13. In the Sri Lanka Customs National Imports Tariff Guide (Chapter 11), HS 1108.13 is shown with General Duty 20%, VAT 18%, PAL 10%, Cess 5%, and SSCL 2.5% (subject to the importer’s applicable regime and any other charges).