CASA and Sri Lanka Customs: A journey of continuous collaboration and progress

By Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents

The Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents (CASA) has maintained a longstanding and continuous dialogue with Sri Lanka Customs, engaging on a variety of operational, strategic, and policy matters critical to the shipping and logistics industry.

While day-to-day operational issues are often addressed directly between Customs and CASA members, unresolved matters are escalated to CASA for further discussion. During quarterly meetings between CASA’s Executive Committee and Sri Lanka Customs, strategic and policy-driven issues are prioritised, ensuring the focus remains on broader, long-term improvements rather than day-to-day operational concerns.

Although some matters have taken considerable time to resolve, tangible progress has been made, particularly in areas such as automation, digitalisation, and process improvements. These efforts have been instrumental in supporting the logistics sector and aiming to enhance Sri Lanka›s standing in global indices like the Logistics Performance Index (LPI), where there is a clear ambition to significantly improve current rankings.

It is noteworthy to mention the structured approach adopted in recent discussions. Previously, meetings often covered 20–30 agenda items, making outcomes difficult to measure. Over the past year, however, both parties agreed to limit discussions to around 10 key issues per meeting, enabling more focused, result-oriented discussions with measurable outcomes.

Major progress areas

Among the key strategic initiatives, several developments deserve recognition:

1. Digitalisation Initiatives and  ASYHub Implementation

The  ASYHub platform, funded through grants from the World Customs Organisation and the World Trade Organisation, is set to go live in May 2025. CASA has played a pivotal role in supporting and advocating for this initiative, conducting testing and training among members. Once operational, the platform will allow seamless transmission and update of critical consignment data up to vessel’s arrival, significantly reducing administrative costs  and enhancing the efficiency of commercial transactions. The industry stands to benefit substantially from reduced reliance on manual interventions and penalties for data amendments.

2. Review and Streamlining of Penalty Charges

CASA has actively engaged with Customs to promote a transparent and fair penalty system. The objective is to distinguish between genuine errors, such as minor clerical mistakes, and intentional infractions that impact revenue. A structured, transparent framework for penalties will prevent arbitrary charges and further facilitate trade.

3. Establishment of Priority SOPs

In an effort to create greater transparency, CASA has submitted draft SOPs to Customs, covering key activities with the intention of jointly finalising comprehensive, mutually agreed procedures. This medium-term initiative aims to enhance predictability, reduce ambiguities and disputes, and support seamless business operations.

Immediate operational improvements

In addition to strategic initiatives, several operational improvements have already been successfully implemented:

•  Electronic Submission of Manifests for Car Carriers (RO-RO vessels)

Sri Lanka Customs has discontinued the requirement for hard copies of inbound and transhipment manifests for car carriers. Manifests are now accepted via scanned email submissions, significantly improving efficiency.

•  Automation of Customs Charges:

The previous manual process for vessel charges, which involved multiple physical visits and document submissions, has now been streamlined into an online system. This shift has improved transparency, reduced administrative burdens, and saved valuable time and resources for shipping agents.

•  Electronic Granting of Vessel Sufferance:

The approval process for vessel berthing, historically reliant on physical paperwork, has now moved to an email-based system. This change, facilitated through collaborative discussions and referencing the Electronic Transactions Act, reflects a major modernisation of Customs procedures and a positive shift toward paperless operations.

Acknowledging progress

While some long-standing issues, such as the management of detained containers, remain under discussion, it is important to acknowledge and appreciate the progress made. The continuous collaboration between CASA and Sri Lanka Customs has already resulted in notable improvements that directly enhance trade facilitation, operational efficiency, and the competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s logistics sector.

CASA remains committed to working closely with Customs to drive further reforms, with the ultimate aim of achieving a faster, more transparent, and digitally-enabled customs environment for all stakeholders.