How to Import Paper Bags from India to Sri Lanka: A Complete Guide (2025)
Why Sri Lankan Businesses Are Turning to Indian Suppliers for Paper Bags
Sri Lanka's retail and food service sectors are experiencing a strong shift away from single-use plastic, driven by the National Policy on Polythene and Plastic Products. With local production limited, many supermarkets, restaurants, pharmacies, and FMCG brands in Sri Lanka are now importing high-quality kraft paper bags from India — one of the world's largest and most cost-competitive producers of paper packaging.
Why India — and Why Now?
- Price Advantage: Indian manufacturers offer significantly lower per-unit costs compared to Chinese or European alternatives, especially for bulk orders above 10,000 units.
- Short Shipping Distance: Colombo is just ~2,500 km from the port of Chennai or Tuticorin. Sea freight takes 3–5 days, making India the most practical sourcing destination for Sri Lanka.
- Quality Range: Indian manufacturers like Gargi PaperKraft (Lucknow, UP) manufacture kraft paper bags from 60 GSM to 150 GSM, with Burst Factors (BF) from 18 to 35+, covering virtually every use case.
- Customisation: Full-colour flexographic printing is available, allowing Sri Lankan brands to have their logo and branding printed directly on the bags.
Step-by-Step: How to Import Paper Bags from India to Sri Lanka
Step 1 – Identify Your Requirements
Determine the bag type (Flat Bottom, Square Bottom, or V Bottom), size (width × height × gusset in cm or inches), GSM (paper weight), and quantity. Most manufacturers require a minimum order of 5,000–10,000 units per SKU.
Step 2 – Source a Reliable Indian Manufacturer
Contact manufacturers directly for the best pricing. Gargi PaperKraft is a Lucknow-based ISO-standard manufacturer with experience in export documentation. Request samples before placing a bulk order — reputable manufacturers will send samples at low or no cost.
Step 3 – Get a Proforma Invoice & Fix the Price
After sample approval, the manufacturer issues a Proforma Invoice with FOB (Free On Board) or CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) pricing. For Sri Lanka buyers, CIF Colombo pricing is the most convenient as it rolls freight and insurance into one figure.
Step 4 – Shipping & Freight
Most paper bag shipments from India to Sri Lanka go by sea LCL (Less than Container Load) for small orders or FCL (Full Container Load) for large ones. Common ports used: Chennai (INNSA), Tuticorin (INTUT) → Colombo (LKCMB). Transit time: 3–7 days.
Step 5 – Sri Lanka Customs & Duties
Paper bags fall under HS Code 4819.30 (folded or flat paper bags) or 4819.20 (sacks). Under the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA), many paper products attract reduced or zero tariffs. Verify the current duty rate with Sri Lanka Customs (customs.gov.lk) or your freight forwarder.
Step 6 – Payment Terms
Standard payment terms for exports are 50% advance + 50% against Bill of Lading (BL), or payment via Letter of Credit (LC) for larger orders. Indian manufacturers are comfortable with TT (Telegraphic Transfer) in USD or INR.
Documents Required for Import
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading (Sea) or Airway Bill
- Certificate of Origin (for ISFTA duty concession)
- Phytosanitary Certificate (if applicable)
Ready to Get a Quote?
Gargi PaperKraft exports to buyers across South and Southeast Asia. Contact us with your requirements and we will send a detailed Proforma Invoice within 24 hours — including CIF Colombo pricing.
