Sri Lanka hits 95.8% WTO trade facilitation target

Sri Lanka achieved a 95.8% implementation rate for the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), outperforming the global average of 87.6%. The government now shifts its focus toward a broader ‘TFA Plus’ reform agenda designed to lower trade costs, increase predictability, and better integrate the nation into global value chains.

Coordination of these efforts falls under the National Trade Facilitation Committee, which includes 12 government agencies and seven national trade chambers. With all measures originally scheduled for 2027 now complete, the country continues to push forward with additional improvements.

Recent updates include extending the Advance Rulings regime to cover Customs valuation, allowing importers to secure decisions before goods arrive. Furthermore, Sri Lanka Customs introduced the CargoFlow digital queue management system to provide real-time tracking of container movements and enhance data collection for upcoming studies.

Progress remains ahead of schedule for two major initiatives. The Authorised Economic Operator program granted status to 75 companies, while the Post-Clearance Audit framework now manages part of the revenue verification process after the point of importation. Looking toward 2030, the government continues work on the National Single Window and improved Border Agency Cooperation to finalise its remaining structural commitments.