The Exporters Association of Sri Lanka (EASL) has called on the government to adopt a risk-based enforcement model for the new regulations prohibiting the importation of goods produced through forced labour, warning that without clear guidelines, legitimate trade could face uncertainty, higher costs and delays.

"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," said Exporters Association of Sri Lanka Chairperson Nalaka Ratnayake.

The Association welcomed Sri Lanka's commitment to aligning with internationally accepted labour standards, noting that while the regulations have been gazetted, operational guidelines are yet to be finalised. Further, the association urged structured consultations with exporters, importers, chambers of commerce and logistics providers before procedures are introduced, and recommended that Customs publish comprehensive implementation guidelines including documentary requirements, verification procedures and reasonable transition arrangements. 

The Association emphasised that a risk-based approach-focusing on high-risk goods and jurisdictions rather than blanket documentation on all imports – would protect supply chains while ensuring expeditious cargo clearance at the Port of Colombo.