Step by Step Functionality

Step-by-step Trade is part of the Sri Lanka Trade Portal. More information

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Step-by-step Trade is part of the Sri Lanka Trade Portal

This is an official website of the Government of Sri Lanka maintained by the Department of Commerce

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Export

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Textile and apparel

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Register as an exporter with the Department of Commerce (DoC) New

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Full procedure view - for a first time trader

Export of textile and apparel through Port of Colombo

The full export procedure of textile and apparels compiles all the mandatory licenses, permits and clearance steps to export textile and apparels as a first-time exporter. If you are already registered as an exporter with the Department of Inland Revenue, with Sri Lanka Customs, with Industry and Commerce and with the Department of Commerce, you can look in this search page of the product for the specific permits, certificates or information needed.

Licenses and primary registration

Obtain TIN certificate

To operate a business in Sri Lanka this registration is mandatory. The TIN certificate is issued by Sri Lanka Inland Revenue Department. In order to obtain the VAT certificate to export, this registration is mandatory.

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Register as an exporter (TIN/VAT registration) with Customs

It is mandatory for any exporter exporting any product to register their VAT/TIN number in the Customs system (ASYCUDA World). This is a one-time registration.

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Register as an exporter with the Department of Commerce (DoC)

To obtain a certificate of origin exporters need to register with the Department of Commerce (DoC). This is a one-time registration.

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Register with State Ministry of Batik, Handloom Textiles and Local Apparel

According to the Industrial Promotion Act No: 46 of 1990 every textile and apparel manufacturer and non-manufacturer has to be registered under this Ministry except registered industries under BOI (Board of Investment).

Permits

Obtain VAT certificate

To export any product this registration is mandatory. The VAT certificate is issued by Sri Lanka Inland Revenue Department for an initial three-month period and has to be obtained every three months until income exceeds 3 million rupees. After income exceeds 3 million rupees, the exporter can request the permanent VAT registration.

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Obtain tariff rate quota certificate

This procedure is mandatory to obtain tariff concessions under the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement for apparel products.

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Obtain certificate of origin

The Department of Commerce (DoC) is responsible for issuing the various preferential certificates of origin (COOs) under all GSP schemes, Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) of which Sri Lanka is either a beneficiary or party. For non-preferential certificate of origin, exporters have to obtain it from authorized Chambers of Commerce in Sri Lanka.

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