Exporters urge risk-based enforcement of forced labour import rules

Saturday, 18 July 2026 03:38 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

EASL calls for transparent implementation framework before enforcement begins

Warns unclear procedures could disrupt legitimate trade and raise compliance costs

Seeks stakeholder consultations before operational guidelines are finalised

Backs ethical trade while stressing need to preserve Sri Lanka’s export competitiveness

The Exporters Association of Sri Lanka (EASL) has called on the Government to adopt a transparent, risk-based approach in enforcing new regulations banning imports linked to forced labour, warning that unclear implementation procedures could disrupt legitimate trade and increase compliance costs.

While welcoming the Government’s move to align Sri Lanka with internationally accepted labour standards and global efforts to eliminate forced labour from supply chains, the association noted that although the regulations have been gazetted, the operational guidelines have yet to be finalised.

“Without a clearly defined and internationally aligned implementation framework, there is a risk of uncertainty, increased compliance costs, shipment delays, administrative burdens and disruption to legitimate trade,” the EASL said.

The association urged the Government to adopt a risk-based enforcement model in line with international best practice by targeting high-risk goods, supply chains and jurisdictions, rather than imposing blanket documentation requirements on all import transactions.

It also called for structured consultations with exporters, importers, chambers of commerce, logistics service providers and other stakeholders before operational procedures are introduced.

The EASL further urged Sri Lanka Customs to publish comprehensive implementation guidelines, including acceptable documentary requirements, verification procedures and reasonable transition arrangements before the regulations come into force.

The chamber said that Sri Lanka’s exporters fully support ethical trade and the elimination of forced labour from global supply chains. However, any new compliance regime must be supported by clear implementation guidelines and meaningful stakeholder consultation to ensure that legitimate trade is not adversely affected. A transparent, practical and risk-based approach will help achieve the objectives of the regulation while preserving Sri Lanka’s competitiveness as a trading nation.

The association said maintaining confidence in Sri Lanka’s trading environment and complying with international obligations were critical for an export-oriented economy.

“It is vital that we protect our supply chains whilst also ensuring that we have expeditious clearing of cargo at the Port of Colombo,” it said.

The EASL said it looked forward to continued engagement with the authorities on the implementation of the new regulations.