Sri Lanka Customs has established a Technical Committee on Rules of Origin to modernise trade governance and enhance transparency in origin-related procedures, the authority said on 15 December.

Co-established with the Department of Commerce, the committee supports Sri Lanka’s obligations under the World Trade Organization Trade Facilitation Agreement. 

Its mandate includes strengthening the national framework, improving inter-agency coordination, assisting importers and exporters using preferential trade arrangements, and harmonising with international standards.

Officials said the initiative will reduce compliance costs, clarify origin requirements, and improve the effective use of free trade agreements and other preference schemes.