CDF Duty Free at Port City Colombo is a new downtown duty-free retail concept introduced by China Duty Free Group, one of the world’s largest duty-free operators and part of the China Tourism Group. The store brings a globally recognized duty-free shopping experience to Sri Lanka, offering international brands, competitive pricing, and a premium retail environment comparable with major hubs such as Dubai, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
Located at Port City Colombo, the store functions as a modern downtown duty-free mall designed to provide Sri Lankan tourist travellers with convenient access to duty-free shopping without the time pressure associated with airport retail. The store offers a wide range of products including perfumes, cosmetics, skincare, liquor, chocolates, electronics, fashion, and travel essentials, all sold at duty-free prices.
Since commencing operations in September 2024, CDF Duty Free has served nearly 120,000 travellers, supported by an initial investment of USD 5 million. The store has positioned itself as a regional-standard duty-free destination with competitive pricing and a curated portfolio of international brands, sourced directly from band prinicipals.
Customer Eligibility
CDF Duty Free operates under Sri Lanka Customs regulations and currently serves the following traveller segments:
- Arriving passengers – Sri Lankan citizens and residents can shop within four days after arrival in the country.
- Departing passengers – Travellers holding a valid outbound boarding pass can shop prior to departure.
- Diplomats – Accredited diplomats in Sri Lanka may shop in accordance with applicable regulations.
The current duty-free purchase allowance for arriving passengers is USD 2,000, subject to category-specific quantity limits. All transactions are digitally verified through integration with Sri Lanka Customs systems, ensuring strict regulatory compliance and transparency.