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.

Department of Registrar of Companies
Export Development Board of Sri Lanka
Tax Identification Number (TIN)
Register with Department of Customs
Join the Chamber of Commerce

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:

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:

    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:

      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:

        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.

          Tea
          Gems & Jewellery
          Meat Products
          Alcoholic Beverages
          Beverages
          Spices
          Cinnamon
          Coconut Products
          Fish Products
          Wood Products

          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:

          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:

          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.

          The commercial activity of freight forwarding is the transportation of goods from points of origin to destinations through multiple carriers over land, air, and sea.
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          Make Sure They’re Reputable

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          Find a Forwarder with the Right Experience

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          Ensure They Have a Good Network

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          Pick a Forwarder with the Right Services for Your Shipments
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          Document services

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          Shipping logistics services

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          Choose Someone with a Transparent Pricing Structure

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          Make Sure They Offer Cargo Insurance

          Search global trade statistics by internet

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          Find statistical data to find out which countries have demanded your desired products to be exported and the potential opportunities to the world market

          * Using below link