How to Start an Export Business in Sri Lanka: Complete Registration & Requirements Guide
Planning to start an export business in Sri Lanka?
Exporting products from Sri Lanka can open the door to international customers and new markets, but setting up an export business involves more than simply registering a company.
Depending on what you plan to export and where you plan to export it, you may need business registration, tax registration, Customs registration, ASYCUDA access, product-specific approvals, certificates and other export-related documentation.
MAPA Corporate Services helps entrepreneurs and businesses set up the registrations and documentation required to start their export operations in Sri Lanka.
📞 Call / WhatsApp: +94 70 286 1981
📲 WhatsApp Now – Get Export Business AssistanceCan You Start an Export Business in Sri Lanka?
Yes. Individuals and businesses can establish export businesses in Sri Lanka, subject to the applicable laws, Customs requirements and any product-specific regulatory requirements.
The first step is to determine what you intend to export, your business structure, and the destination market.
This is important because the requirements for exporting spices, food products, tea, coconut products, gems, apparel, manufactured goods or other products may not be identical.
Some products can be exported subject to the normal Customs process, while certain products may require licences, permits, annual registration or approval from relevant government authorities. Some goods may also be restricted or prohibited.
Therefore, there is no single registration that automatically makes every business ready to export every type of product.
What Registrations Do You Need to Start an Export Business?
A typical export business setup may involve several of the following:
- Business or company registration
- Tax Identification Number (TIN)
- VAT registration where applicable
- Sri Lanka Customs registration
- ASYCUDA World access
- Product-specific licences or approvals where applicable
- Department of Commerce registration where applicable
- EDB voluntary registration
- Export documentation and certificates
- Customs export declaration for each shipment
The exact requirements depend on your business and product.
This is why getting the sequence right before starting your first shipment can save considerable time and unnecessary expense.
Step 1 – Register Your Export Business
If you are starting a new export business, you should first establish the appropriate legal business structure.
You may operate through a:
- Private Limited Company
- Sole proprietorship
- Partnership
- Other legally recognised business structure
For entrepreneurs who want to build a long-term export business, a Private Limited Company can provide a more formal structure for dealing with overseas buyers, suppliers, banks and other commercial partners.
The Industrial Development Board’s export guidance also identifies business registration as an important first step before exporting goods from Sri Lanka.
Starting a new company?
MAPA Corporate Services can assist with:
- Company name selection
- Company name reservation
- Company incorporation
- Articles of Association
- Director and shareholder documentation
- Required incorporation forms
- Company secretarial documentation
- Post-incorporation support
If you already have a company, you may not need to incorporate another company simply because you are starting an export activity. Instead, the company’s structure and business activities should be reviewed to determine whether amendments or additional registrations are appropriate.
Step 2 – Obtain Your Tax Registrations
Your export business will also need the appropriate tax registrations.
A Tax Identification Number (TIN) is an important part of the registration and compliance process.
Depending on your business activities and applicable tax rules, VAT registration may also be relevant.
For example, the Department of Commerce’s current exporter registration requirements include a TIN and original VAT registration among the supporting documents for its company registration process.
The exact tax treatment should be considered based on your business activities and current Inland Revenue requirements.
Step 3 – Register With Sri Lanka Customs
One of the most important steps for an exporter is dealing with Sri Lanka Customs.
Customs currently provides specific procedures for exporter registration and ASYCUDA access.
Sri Lanka Customs states that exporters can obtain ASYCUDA World registration information through its ICT Directorate and that exporters must submit Customs Declarations for export consignments.
Why is Customs registration important?
Because exporting commercial goods involves Customs procedures.
For each shipment, the export consignment needs to be declared to Customs through the applicable process.
Sri Lanka Customs states that an export Customs Declaration (CusDec) should be submitted online before the goods are exported, after obtaining necessary approvals where applicable.
Step 4 – Obtain ASYCUDA Access
Sri Lanka Customs uses ASYCUDA World as part of its electronic Customs processing system.
Customs provides separate exporter registration instructions and applications through its ICT Directorate.
If you are unfamiliar with ASYCUDA procedures, getting the registration and access requirements correct before your first shipment is important.
Your Customs process may involve:
- Exporter registration
- ASYCUDA access
- User/access documentation
- Customs Declaration submission
- HS Code identification
- Supporting documents
- Product-specific approvals where applicable
- Customs examination where required
MAPA Corporate Services can assist with the administrative and documentation side of the setup and guide you on the relevant registration process.
Step 5 – Is EDB Registration Mandatory?
This is one of the most common areas of confusion.
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) states that its former statutory exporter registration scheme was revoked by Gazette Notification No. 2118/60 dated 11 April 2019.
EDB currently maintains voluntary exporter registration for purposes such as identification, monitoring, participation in trade fairs and access to certain EDB assistance programmes.
Therefore, it is not accurate to simply tell every new exporter:
“You must register with EDB before you can export.”
Instead, the business should determine whether EDB registration would be useful or relevant to its circumstances.
EDB also maintains an exporter directory that can provide international exposure and visibility to overseas buyers.
Why might an exporter still consider EDB registration?
Depending on your business, benefits can include:
- Exporter directory exposure
- Access to EDB programmes
- Trade fair opportunities
- Export promotion assistance
- International buyer exposure
- Export-related information and support
MAPA Corporate Services can help you understand whether EDB registration is relevant to your export business.
Step 6 – Department of Commerce Registration
The Department of Commerce (DOC) has an important role where exporters want to export products under applicable free or preferential trade agreements.
The Department of Commerce currently states that exporters wishing to export products under free and preferential Trade Agreements should register their company with the DOC.
The Department’s current registration requirements include documents such as:
- Business Registration Certificate
- Form 1 or Form 20 for companies registered under the Companies Act
- TIN
- VAT registration
- Exporter Declaration
- Authorised signature
- Relevant certificates where applicable
The current DOC page states a registration fee of Rs. 15,000.
The Department of Commerce’s online system also includes an eligibility-check process based on the product, HS Code, destination and applicable agreement.
Do all exporters need Department of Commerce registration?
No.
It depends on the export arrangement and whether you require the benefits or documentation associated with applicable preferential/free trade agreements.
This is another reason why export registration requirements should be assessed based on your product and destination country.
Step 7 – Check Product-Specific Licences and Approvals
This is one of the most important steps that new exporters sometimes overlook.
Registering your company does not automatically mean that every product can be exported without additional approvals.
According to EDB’s exporter guidance, some goods may require an export licence, annual registration or approval from the relevant government authority, while certain goods are restricted or prohibited.
Depending on your product, additional authorities may therefore become relevant.
For example, an exporter may need to consider requirements associated with:
- Food products
- Agricultural products
- Spices
- Tea
- Coconut products
- Fisheries products
- Gems and jewellery
- Plants and plant products
- Animal products
- Pharmaceuticals
- Chemicals
- Controlled or restricted goods
- Other regulated products
This is why we recommend checking your product before starting the export process.
Tell us what you plan to export and which country you plan to export to.
We can help you identify the main registration and documentation steps that should be considered.
Step 8 – Prepare Your Export Documentation
Once your business and relevant registrations are in place, you need to prepare the documentation for your export transaction.
Depending on the transaction, documents may include:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Customs Declaration
- Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
- Certificate of Origin
- Product certificates
- Inspection certificates
- Health or phytosanitary certificates where applicable
- Preferential Certificate of Origin where applicable
- Other permits or supporting documents
The exact documents depend on the product, destination, buyer requirements and applicable regulations.
Sri Lanka Customs also provides information on export certificates, permits, Customs declarations and export procedures.
Step 9 – Identify the Correct HS Code
The HS Code (Harmonized System Code) is an important part of international trade.
The correct classification can affect:
- Customs procedures
- Export controls
- Applicable levies
- Certificates
- Trade agreement eligibility
- Import requirements in the destination country
Sri Lanka Customs provides access to its Tariff Guide for determining HS Codes.
If you are unsure about the classification of your product, do not simply guess the HS Code.
The product description, composition, intended use and other characteristics may be relevant to classification.
Step 10 – Submit Your Export Declaration
Once the shipment is ready and the necessary approvals have been obtained, the export declaration must be submitted to Customs.
Sri Lanka Customs states that an export consignment can be declared by either the exporter or a Customs House Agent, and the Customs Declaration should be submitted online before export.
For many new exporters, working with an experienced Customs House Agent or freight forwarder can make the actual shipment process easier.
MAPA Corporate Services can assist with the business registration and administrative setup side of your export operation, while shipment-specific Customs clearance can involve the relevant Customs House Agent or logistics provider.
Common Mistakes New Exporters Make
Starting an export business without understanding the complete process can lead to delays.
Some common mistakes include:
1. Registering a company without considering the export activity
The company structure and business activities should be considered from the beginning.
2. Assuming EDB registration is mandatory for everyone
The statutory EDB exporter registration scheme was revoked in 2019. Current EDB exporter registration is voluntary.
3. Ignoring Customs and ASYCUDA
Company incorporation alone does not make a business ready to process commercial exports.
4. Failing to check product-specific requirements
Some products require additional approvals, licences or certificates.
5. Using the wrong HS Code
Incorrect classification can create Customs and documentation problems.
6. Waiting until the first shipment to arrange registrations
It is better to establish the required registrations and documentation before you have a shipment waiting to leave the country.
7. Assuming every destination country has the same requirements
The destination country’s import regulations can also affect what documentation your buyer needs.
Already Have a Company But Want to Start Exporting?
You may not need to establish a new company.
If you already operate a Sri Lankan company and now want to add an export business, we can review your existing company documentation and help identify the next steps.
We can assist with matters such as:
- Reviewing your existing company structure
- Reviewing business objectives
- Company amendments where required
- Director/shareholder changes where applicable
- Tax registration guidance
- Customs exporter registration
- ASYCUDA-related registration guidance
- EDB registration guidance
- Department of Commerce registration where applicable
- Export documentation guidance
Don’t register everything blindly. First determine what your particular export business actually needs.
Starting an Export Business From Sri Lanka? We Can Help
At MAPA Corporate Services, we assist entrepreneurs and businesses with the practical registration and documentation work involved in establishing their businesses in Sri Lanka.
Our assistance can include:
Company Registration
If you are starting from scratch, we can handle the incorporation process and prepare the required company documents.
Need Professional Help Setting Up Your Export Business?
MAPA Corporate Services can assist with company incorporation, Customs registration, export-related registrations and other business setup requirements.
📞 Call / WhatsApp: +94 70 286 1981
Tax Registration Assistance
We can assist with the relevant business and tax registration steps.
Customs Exporter Registration
We can assist with the documentation and administrative process involved in setting up your export business with Customs.
ASYCUDA Registration Guidance
We can guide you through the relevant exporter registration and documentation requirements.
EDB Registration
Although statutory EDB exporter registration was revoked, voluntary EDB registration and exporter-directory participation may be useful for some businesses. We can assist where appropriate.
Department of Commerce Registration
If your export business intends to use applicable preferential/free trade agreements, we can assist with the relevant DOC registration process and documentation.
Company Documentation
If your existing company needs changes to its Articles, business objectives, directors, secretary or other corporate records, we can assist with the relevant corporate documentation.
Not Sure What You Need to Register?
This is where we can help.
You don’t have to figure out every export registration yourself.
Send us these three details:
1. What do you want to export?
For example: spices, coconut products, food, apparel, tea, gems, machinery, software/services, etc.
2. Which country do you want to export to?
3. Do you already have a registered business or company?
Based on this information, we can help you understand the main registration and documentation steps you should consider.
📞 Call / WhatsApp MAPA Corporate Services
+94 70 286 1981
📲 WhatsApp Now – Discuss Your Export BusinessWhy Use a Professional Service?
Export registration involves several different government and regulatory processes.
A mistake in one part of the setup can result in:
- Additional document requests
- Repeated submissions
- Delays
- Incorrect company documentation
- Unnecessary registrations
- Problems when preparing your first shipment
Professional assistance can help you understand the process before you start submitting applications.
Our objective is not simply to register a company. We help you establish the appropriate business and registration framework for your intended export activity.
Start Your Export Business With the Right Setup
Whether you are:
- Starting your first export business
- Already operating a Sri Lankan company
- Looking to export agricultural products
- Starting a food export business
- Exporting spices or coconut products
- Exporting manufactured goods
- Looking for international buyers
- Planning to use a free or preferential trade agreement
- Or simply unsure where to begin
we can help you identify the appropriate next steps.
Start with your product and destination country, and we can help you work through the registration requirements.
📞 MAPA Corporate Services
Call / WhatsApp: +94 70 286 1981
📲 WhatsApp NowFrequently Asked Questions
Is EDB registration mandatory for exporters in Sri Lanka?
The former statutory EDB exporter registration scheme was revoked in 2019. EDB currently maintains voluntary exporter registration for purposes including identification, monitoring, trade fairs and assistance programmes.
Do I need to register with Sri Lanka Customs to export?
Exporters need to follow the applicable Customs registration and export procedures. Sri Lanka Customs provides exporter registration and ASYCUDA registration pathways and requires export consignments to be declared through the Customs process.
Do all exporters need Department of Commerce registration?
No. Department of Commerce registration is particularly relevant to exporters who wish to export under applicable free and preferential trade agreements.
Can an existing company start an export business?
Yes, depending on the company’s existing structure, activities and applicable requirements. An existing company should be reviewed before deciding whether corporate amendments or additional registrations are necessary.
Do I need a Private Limited Company to export?
Not necessarily. The appropriate business structure depends on your circumstances. A sole proprietorship, partnership or company may be appropriate depending on the nature and scale of the business.
Does every product require an export licence?
No. Many goods can be exported under the normal export process, but certain products are subject to specific licences, registrations, approvals, restrictions or prohibitions.
Can MAPA Corporate Services help with export registration?
Yes. We can assist with company incorporation, corporate documentation and relevant registration processes, including guidance on Customs, ASYCUDA, EDB and Department of Commerce requirements where applicable.
How do I find out exactly what I need?
Send us your product, destination country and current business status.
We’ll help you identify the main registration and documentation steps that may apply to your export business.
📞 +94 70 286 1981
📲 WhatsApp NowImportant Note
Export requirements can vary depending on the product, destination, applicable trade agreement and current regulatory requirements. Government procedures, fees and requirements can also change.
This article is intended as a general guide and should not be treated as a substitute for checking the requirements applicable to your specific export transaction.