July 19, Colombo (LNW): The Exporters Association of Sri Lanka (EASL) has urged the Government to introduce a transparent and internationally recognised framework to implement recently gazetted regulations banning the import of goods produced through forced labour.
In a statement, the Association welcomed the country’s move to strengthen labour standards and align its trade practices with global expectations, describing the regulations as a positive step towards promoting ethical sourcing and protecting Sri Lanka’s standing in international markets.
However, the EASL expressed concern that although the legal provisions have already been gazetted, the practical procedures required to enforce them have not yet been issued. It warned that the absence of clear operational guidelines could create uncertainty for businesses, increase compliance costs, delay shipments and add unnecessary administrative requirements for legitimate importers and exporters.
The Association called on the Government to engage in comprehensive consultations with exporters, importers, chambers of commerce, logistics providers and other industry stakeholders before finalising the implementation process. It stressed that collaboration would help ensure the new measures are both effective and practical.
Among its recommendations, the EASL proposed adopting a risk-based enforcement approach that targets high-risk products, supply chains and jurisdictions, rather than imposing extensive documentation requirements on every import. It said such a model would be consistent with international best practices while minimising unnecessary disruption to trade.
The Association also appealed to Sri Lanka Customs to publish detailed implementation guidelines covering documentation standards, verification procedures and suitable transitional arrangements before the regulations are enforced.
EASL Chairman Nalaka Ratnayake reaffirmed the export sector’s support for eliminating forced labour from global supply chains, but emphasised that businesses require clear rules and adequate consultation to comply effectively. He noted that a transparent and practical implementation process would help achieve the objectives of the new regulations while safeguarding Sri Lanka’s reputation as a reliable and competitive trading partner.