Ready to Export
Business Registration
Before exporting goods from Sri Lanka, it is essential to complete the business registration process. This ensures compliance with local regulations and access to various benefits and services. Follow these steps to get your business registered and ready for export.
Register your business with the Department of Registrar of Companies. This is the first and foremost step to legally establish your business entity in Sri Lanka.
Requirements:
- Completed Business Registration Certificate application form
- Proof of identity (e.g., National ID, Passport)
- Proof of address
- Other relevant documents as specified by the department
Link: Department of Registrar of Companies Registration Portal
Optionally, register your business with the Export Development Board (EDB) to gain access to additional resources and support services aimed at exporters.
Requirements:
- Completed EDB registration form
- Business Registration Certificate
- Tax Identification Number (TIN)
- Other relevant documents as specified by the EDB
Benefits of Registration:
- Access to export market information
- Participation in trade fairs and exhibitions
- Training and development programs
Link: Export Development Board Registration Page
Apply for a Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the Inland Revenue Board. This number is necessary for handling all tax-related matters of your business.
Requirements:
- Business Registration Certificate
- Proof of identity of the business owner
- Completed TIN application form
Link: Inland Revenue Board TIN Application Form
Register with the Department of Customs for the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA World). This registration allows you to handle customs procedures electronically.
Requirements:
- Business Registration Certificate
- Tax Identification Number (TIN)
- Completed ASYCUDA World registration form
Link: Department of Customs Registration Page
Become a member of the Chamber of Commerce to access networking opportunities, training programs, and other resources beneficial for exporters.
Requirements:
- Business Registration Certificate
- Completed membership application form
- Membership fee (as specified by the Chamber)
Benefits of Membership: - Networking opportunities with other businesses
- Access to business support services
- Advocacy and representation on trade issues
Link: Chamber of Commerce Membership Application
Product Registration / License / Certifications
To export products from Sri Lanka, specific registrations, licenses, and certifications are required depending on the product category. This ensures compliance with international standards and regulations. Follow the steps below for each product category to obtain the necessary certifications.
Certification of Average Auction Price (AAP) on Bulk Tea
This certification verifies the average auction price of bulk tea, ensuring transparency and fairness in the export market. The certification is crucial for maintaining the credibility and quality standards of Sri Lankan tea in international markets.
Quality Certificate for Each Shipment
The Quality Certificate ensures that each shipment of tea meets the quality standards set by the Sri Lanka Tea Board. This certification is necessary to guarantee the quality and safety of the tea being exported.
National Gems & Jewellery Authority (NGJA)
Gem Dealers License
This license is required for businesses dealing in diamonds, gems, and jewellery. It ensures that all transactions comply with national and international regulations.
Requirements
- Proof of business registration with the Department of Registrar of Companies
- Financial statements and proof of sufficient capital.
- Completed application form with necessary details.
Health Certificate for Meat Products
This certificate ensures that meat products are safe for consumption and meet health standards for export. It is essential for maintaining the health and safety of consumers and complying with international trade regulations.
Apply: daph.gov.lk
Requirements
- Health Inspection Report
- Product Samples
Sri Lanka Standards Institution
Processing Centre Certification with ISO, HACCP, or GMP
This certification ensures that processing centers handling food and beverages comply with international standards such as ISO (International Organization for Standardization), HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points), or GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices). This certification is crucial for maintaining high-quality and safety standards in food processing, which is essential for gaining access to international markets.
Requirements:
- Facility Inspection:
A thorough inspection of the processing facility to ensure it meets the required standards for ISO, HACCP, or GMP certification. - Compliance Documentation:
Documentation proving that the facility adheres to the specific standards. This includes SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), quality control records, and employee training records. - Audit Report:
A detailed report from an accredited auditor confirming that the facility meets the necessary standards.
Apply: slsi.lk
Department of Excise
Permit for Export of Alcoholic Beverages
This permit is required for exporting alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and spirits. The permit ensures that the products comply with national regulations and are safe for international trade. Obtaining this permit is essential for any business involved in the export of alcoholic beverages.
Requirements:
- Business Registration:
Proof of business registration with the Department of Registrar of Companies. - Excise License:
A valid excise license for manufacturing or distributing alcoholic beverages. - Product Details:
Detailed information about the alcoholic beverages, including ingredients, production process, and packaging. - Compliance with Excise Regulations:
Documentation proving compliance with national excise regulations, including tax payments and production quotas. - Health and Safety Certificates:
Certificates ensuring that the alcoholic beverages meet health and safety standards for export.
Department of Health
Permit for Export of Non-Alcoholic Beverages
This permit is required for exporting non-alcoholic beverages such as bottled drinking water and mineral water. The permit ensures that the products comply with national health standards and are safe for international trade. Obtaining this permit is essential for any business involved in the export of non-alcoholic beverages.
Requirements:
- Business Registration:
Proof of business registration with the Department of Registrar of Companies. - Health Inspection Report:
A detailed health inspection report from a certified health inspector confirming that the beverage products meet all necessary health and safety standards. - Product Details:
Detailed information about the beverages, including ingredients, production process, and packaging. - Compliance with Health Regulations:
Documentation proving compliance with national health regulations, including production standards and safety measures.
Department of Commerce & Chamber of Commerce
Permit for Export of All Spices
This permit is required for exporting spices such as pepper, cardamom, and other spices. The permit ensures that the products comply with national and international regulations and are safe for international trade. Obtaining this permit is essential for any business involved in the export of spices.
Requirements:
- Business Registration:
Proof of business registration with the Department of Registrar of Companies. - Country of Origin Certificate:
A certificate indicating the country of origin for the spices, which is necessary for international trade. This certificate can be obtained from the Department of Commerce or the Chamber of Commerce. - Pre-Inspection Certificate:
A certificate ensuring that the spices meet quality and safety standards before shipment. - Quality Certification:
Documentation proving compliance with quality standards set by relevant authorities. - Fumigation Certificate (if required):
Certificate confirming that the spices have been fumigated to meet import country regulations.
Link: Apply for Export Permit of All Spices
Link: Ceylon Chamber of Commerce
Sri Lanka Export Development Board & Sri Lanka Standards Institution
Permit for Export of Cinnamon
This permit is required for exporting cinnamon. The permit ensures that the cinnamon complies with national and international regulations and is safe for international trade. Obtaining this permit is essential for any business involved in the export of cinnamon.
Requirements:
- Business Registration:
Proof of business registration with the Department of Registrar of Companies. - Country of Origin Certificate:
A certificate indicating the country of origin for the cinnamon, which is necessary for international trade. This certificate can be obtained from the Department of Commerce or the Chamber of Commerce. - Pre-Inspection Certificate:
A certificate ensuring that the cinnamon meets quality and safety standards before shipment. - Quality Certification:
Documentation proving compliance with quality standards set by relevant authorities, such as the Sri Lanka Standards Institution. - Fumigation Certificate (if required):
Certificate confirming that the cinnamon has been fumigated to meet import country regulations. - Pure Ceylon Cinnamon Logo License:
A license to use the Pure Ceylon Cinnamon logo, certifying that the cinnamon is of the highest quality and originates from Sri Lanka.
Link: Apply for Export Permit of Cinnamon
Link: Sri Lanka Standards Institution
Coconut Development Authority
Permit for Export of Coconut and Coconut-Based Products
This permit is required for exporting coconut and coconut-based products such as desiccated coconut, coconut oil, coconut milk, and other related products. The permit ensures that these products comply with national and international regulations and are safe for international trade. Obtaining this permit is essential for any business involved in the export of coconut products.
Requirements:
- Business Registration:
Proof of business registration with the Department of Registrar of Companies. - Country of Origin Certificate:
A certificate indicating the country of origin for the coconut products, which is necessary for international trade. This certificate can be obtained from the Department of Commerce or the Chamber of Commerce. - Pre-Inspection Certificate:
A certificate ensuring that the coconut products meet quality and safety standards before shipment. - Quality Certification:
Documentation proving compliance with quality standards set by relevant authorities, such as the Coconut Development Authority. - Fumigation Certificate (if required):
Certificate confirming that the coconut products have been fumigated to meet import country regulations.
Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources
Permit for Export of Fish and Fisheries Products
This permit is required for exporting fish and fisheries products such as sea cucumber, lobsters, and other seafood. The permit ensures that these products comply with national and international regulations and are safe for international trade. Obtaining this permit is essential for any business involved in the export of fish and fisheries products.
Requirements:
- Business Registration:
Proof of business registration with the Department of Registrar of Companies.
Link: Department of Registrar of Companies - Export License:
A license for the export of specific fish and fisheries products, which can be obtained from the Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources.
Link: Apply for Export License - Health Certificate:
A certificate ensuring that the fish products meet health and safety standards for export, particularly for EU countries.
Link: Department of Animal Production and Health - Catch Certificate:
Documentation proving that the fish were caught in compliance with sustainable fishing practices.
Link: Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources - Certificate of Origin:
A certificate indicating the country of origin for the fish products, which is necessary for international trade.
Link: Department of Commerce
Link: Ceylon Chamber of Commerce - Fumigation Certificate (if required):
Certificate confirming that the fish products have been fumigated to meet import country regulations.
Link: National Plant Quarantine Service
Department of Forest Conservation & Department of Commerce
Permit for Export of Wooden Products
This permit is required for exporting wooden products such as furniture, handicrafts, and raw wood. The permit ensures that these products comply with national and international regulations and are safe for international trade. Obtaining this permit is essential for any business involved in the export of wooden products.
Requirements:
- Business Registration:
Proof of business registration with the Department of Registrar of Companies.
Link: Department of Registrar of Companies - Export License:
A license for the export of specific wooden products, which can be obtained from the Department of Forest Conservation.
Link: Apply for Export License - Certificate of Origin:
A certificate indicating the country of origin for the wooden products, which is necessary for international trade.
Link: Department of Commerce
Link: Ceylon Chamber of Commerce - Phytosanitary Certificate:
A certificate ensuring that the wooden products are free from pests and diseases.
Link: National Plant Quarantine Service - Fumigation Certificate (if required):
Certificate confirming that the wooden products have been fumigated to meet import country regulations.
Link: National Plant Quarantine Service
Find Forwarder
Shippers are generally unable to handle the logistics behind shipping cargo and require freight forwarders to provide 3PL services. This is why it’s essential to find a freight forwarder who can take care of your needs.
Make Sure They’re Reputable
Find a Forwarder with the Right Experience
Ensure They Have a Good Network
Document services
Shipping logistics services
Choose Someone with a Transparent Pricing Structure
Search global trade statistics by internet
Find statistical data to find out which countries have demanded your desired products to be exported and the potential opportunities to the world market
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