📈 Customs Modernization Fast-Tracks Sri Lanka’s USD 36 Bn Export Target

A high-level meeting chaired by Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake outlined critical reforms for Sri Lanka Customs to support the National Export Development Plan (NEDP) 2026–2030, aiming for USD 36 billion in export revenue by 2030. • Key Reforms & Modernization Initiatives: Instructed Sri Lanka Customs to upgrade the capacity and facilities of the Export Facilitation Centre. Digital systems will be introduced to expedite document processing, reducing time and costs, alongside a risk-based assessment mechanism to fast-track low-risk exporters. • SME & Regional Growth: Plans include reviewing the Temporary Import for Export Processing (TIEP) scheme to support non-exporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs). To decentralize operations, attention is being given to establishing a new Customs Export Centre in Jaffna. • E-Commerce & Sector Support: Discussions focused on removing trade barriers for e-commerce platforms, with joint streamlining efforts planned alongside the Department of Posts to boost digital trade channels. • Monitoring & Execution: Sri Lanka Customs, the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), and the Revenue Administration, Reforms and Modernization Bureau will hold monthly review meetings to monitor progress and address ongoing exporter challenges.