Shipping, Freight & Customs

For Exhibitors

Getting machinery and exhibits to BMICH on time is the single most schedule-critical part of exhibiting abroad. Plan backwards from the build-up days.

Sea Freight

Best for machinery and heavy exhibits — Colombo is one of South Asia's premier ports
Allow for ocean transit from your origin plus port clearance time
Consolidated exhibition shipments reduce cost for smaller exhibits
For a late-August show, sea shipments should already be in motion — check cut-offs with your forwarder immediately

Air Freight

The fallback for samples, literature and smaller exhibits at this stage
CMB handles regular cargo capacity from major hubs
Faster clearance, higher cost — budget accordingly
Hand-carry of small samples may be possible; declare commercial goods honestly

Paperwork

Temporary vs Permanent Import

Temporary Import (Exhibits Returning)

Machinery displayed and re-exported after the show typically moves under temporary import procedures with security/bond arrangements. Your freight forwarder manages the documentation and re-export deadlines.

Permanent Import (Sold or Consumed)

Exhibits sold locally, giveaways and consumables attract normal duties and taxes. Decide in advance which items may sell so paperwork is filed correctly.

Core Documents

Commercial invoice and packing list (matching case markings), certificate of origin where required, and equipment serial numbers for temporary imports.

Use the Official Forwarder

An experienced exhibition freight forwarder handles clearance, venue delivery scheduling, on-site handling and empties storage. Contact the organiser for the appointed forwarder's details for this edition.

Deadline alert: with the show opening 28 – 30 August 2026, confirm freight cut-offs with the organiser and your forwarder now. On-site machine unloading/loading support is complimentary for exhibitors (conditions apply).

Questions on Freight?

The organiser team will connect you with the appointed exhibition forwarder and confirm delivery windows at BMICH.

Contact the Team Exhibitor Services →