If you are planning to export goods from Sri Lanka, registering your company is only the beginning. Before you can properly conduct export transactions, you may also need to complete the relevant Sri Lanka Customs registration and system access requirements.

The Customs process can involve several stages, including exporter registration, ASYCUDA World access, Customs Declaration (CusDec) submission, HS code classification, product-specific permits and supporting documentation.

This guide explains the Sri Lanka Customs exporter registration process step by step, what you need to prepare, how export declarations work and what to consider before your first shipment.

Quick Answer: How to Register as an Exporter with Sri Lanka Customs

The general process involves:

Establish your business and obtain the relevant business registration.
Obtain your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and applicable tax registrations.
Apply for exporter registration through the Sri Lanka Customs e-Registration system.
Complete the required exporter registration information and supporting documentation.
Apply for the required ASYCUDA World access.
Arrange the appropriate user/declarant access.
Identify the correct HS code for the goods.
Check whether your product requires an approval or permit from another government authority.
Prepare the commercial invoice, packing list and other required documents.
Submit the export Customs Declaration (CusDec) online.
Upload the required supporting documents.
Complete any applicable Customs examination or approval process.
Complete the export shipment within the applicable period.

Sri Lanka Customs confirms that exporters can submit export declarations themselves or use a Customs House Agent (CHA), and that export CusDecs should be submitted before the goods are exported after obtaining necessary approvals where applicable.

Planning to register an export business in Sri Lanka?

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For current company registration packages and services, visit the <a href=”https://startabusinessinsrilanka.com/pricing/“>MAPA Pricing Page</a>.

What Is Sri Lanka Customs Exporter Registration?

Sri Lanka Customs maintains registration and electronic systems for businesses involved in international trade.

For exporters, Customs registration is connected with the systems used to identify traders and process export declarations.

The Customs ICT Directorate provides registration facilities for exporters and maintains the ASYCUDA World system used for Customs processing. Customs currently provides separate exporter registration instructions, exporter proxy facilities and ASYCUDA-related application forms.

It is therefore important to distinguish between:

Company registration

and

Customs exporter registration

They are not the same process.

Registering a Private Limited Company with the Registrar of Companies does not by itself complete all Customs requirements for exporting goods.

Who Needs Sri Lanka Customs Exporter Registration?

If your Sri Lankan business intends to export commercial goods, you should determine the applicable Customs registration and electronic processing requirements before arranging your first shipment.

This can apply to businesses such as:

Manufacturers
Export trading companies
Agricultural exporters
Food exporters
Tea exporters
Spice exporters
Coconut product exporters
Apparel exporters
Gem and jewellery exporters
Handicraft exporters
Industrial product exporters
Other commercial exporters

The exact requirements can depend on the nature of the goods and the way the export transaction is structured.

Step 1: Register Your Business

Before dealing with Customs as a commercial exporter, you should establish the underlying business.

You may operate through:

Private Limited Company
Sole proprietorship
Partnership
Other legally recognized business structure

For businesses planning to develop a professional export operation, a Private Limited Company can provide a suitable corporate structure.

If you are establishing a company, the company should be registered with the Registrar of Companies and the corporate documents should accurately describe the intended business activities.

For example, if you intend to operate an export and trading business, the company’s business activities should be considered carefully during incorporation.

Step 2: Obtain Your TIN and Tax Registrations

Tax registration is an important part of establishing an export business.

The business should obtain the applicable:

Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
VAT registration where applicable
Other tax registrations required according to the business

Customs systems use taxpayer and registration information when processing trader information.

Sri Lanka Customs’ ICT Directorate specifically provides trader registration facilities and identifies VAT-number-based registration within its Customs computer systems.

The exact tax registrations applicable to your business should be determined based on its activities and circumstances.

Step 3: Access the Sri Lanka Customs E-Registration System

Sri Lanka Customs provides an online e-Registration facility for trader registrations.

The current Customs website identifies importer, exporter, permit-holder and freight-forwarder registrations as being processed through the e-Registration portal.

The Customs Registration Guide also provides access to the official e-Registration system and related registration resources.

This is an important distinction from older procedures where businesses may have relied more heavily on physical forms.

Because Customs systems and procedures can change, exporters should use the current official Customs portal and instructions when submitting an application.

Step 4: Apply for Exporter Registration

The Customs ICT Directorate currently provides a dedicated Exporter Registration Application and exporter registration instructions.

The application process involves providing information about the exporter and the relevant tax/business registration details.

The information submitted should match your official company and tax records.

Incorrect or inconsistent information can create unnecessary delays when establishing your Customs account.

Step 5: Prepare Your Supporting Information

Before starting the application, prepare your business information and relevant registration documents.

Depending on the current Customs requirements applicable to your registration, information may include:

Business registration details
Company registration information
TIN
VAT details where applicable
Business address
Contact details
Director or proprietor information
Authorized person information
Export business details
Supporting corporate documents

The exact documentation should always be checked against the current Customs exporter registration instructions because requirements can change.

Step 6: Understand ASYCUDA World

One of the most important parts of the export process is ASYCUDA World.

ASYCUDA World is the Customs electronic system used for processing Customs-related transactions.

Sri Lanka Customs’ ICT Directorate maintains ASYCUDA World and provides separate registration facilities and instructions for exporters.

Customs currently provides:

Exporter registration
Declarant registration
ASYCUDA access applications
Export CusDec key-in guidelines
Exporter proxy arrangements
User login documentation
Digital signature guidance

Therefore, Customs registration and ASYCUDA access should be treated as connected but distinct steps in the overall process.

Step 7: Apply for the Required ASYCUDA Access

After completing the relevant exporter registration requirements, the business may need to obtain the appropriate access to ASYCUDA World.

Customs provides official forms and guidance for ASYCUDA access through its ICT Directorate.

The current Customs resources include an ACCESS Application Form for Stakeholders, exporter registration resources and instructions for ASYCUDA users.

Depending on how your business handles Customs declarations, you may also need to consider who will actually prepare and submit the export declaration.

Step 8: Decide Whether You Will Use a Customs House Agent

An exporter does not necessarily have to handle every Customs declaration personally.

Sri Lanka Customs states that an export consignment can be declared by either:

The exporter, or
A Customs House Agent (CHA).

A new exporter may therefore choose to work with an experienced Customs House Agent for the operational side of export declarations.

This can be particularly useful if you are unfamiliar with:

ASYCUDA
Customs procedure codes
HS classification
Export CusDec preparation
Customs examination procedures
OGA approvals
Shipping documentation

However, the exporter remains responsible for ensuring that the information and documentation relating to the transaction are accurate.

Step 9: Understand Exporter Proxy Arrangements

Sri Lanka Customs also provides an Exporter Proxy facility.

The Customs ICT Directorate currently provides exporter proxy documents and an acceptance-of-proxy process.

This is relevant when another authorized party is handling Customs system activities on behalf of the exporter.

Before granting access or authorization, exporters should understand:

Who is acting on their behalf
What authority is being granted
What documents must be submitted
Who is responsible for the declaration
How the proxy arrangement operates within Customs systems

Step 10: Identify the Correct HS Code

One of the most important technical parts of exporting is identifying the correct HS Code.

The HS Code is used to classify the goods for Customs purposes.

Sri Lanka Customs states that HS codes can be found in the Customs Tariff Guide, with further assistance available from the Customs Information Centre and Commodity Classification Branch.

The HS code can affect:

Export levies
Required permits
Customs procedures
Product controls
Statistical reporting
Other regulatory requirements

Do not simply guess the HS code based on the product’s common name.

If you are unsure, obtain appropriate classification guidance before completing the export declaration.

Step 11: Check Whether Your Product Requires a Permit

Not every product has exactly the same export requirements.

Some goods may require approval or a permit from another government authority before they can be exported.

Sri Lanka Customs specifically directs exporters to the relevant licences and approvals of Other Government Agencies (OGAs).

Depending on the product, relevant agencies can include authorities dealing with:

Food
Agriculture
Plant quarantine
Animal products
Fisheries
Coconut products
Tea
Gems
Controlled goods
Other regulated products

This is why determining the HS code and product category early is important.

Step 12: Prepare Your Export Documents

Before submitting the export declaration, prepare the documents required for your particular shipment.

Common export documents can include:

Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Shipping documents
Export permits
Product certificates
Certificate of Origin where applicable
Other government approvals
Other supporting documents required for the transaction

The exact documents vary according to the goods, destination and applicable regulations.

Sri Lanka Customs has specifically stated that supporting documents such as invoices, packing lists and applicable approvals/permits/licences must be uploaded when online warranting of export CusDecs is carried out.

Step 13: Prepare the Export CusDec

The Customs Declaration (CusDec) is a central part of the export process.

Sri Lanka Customs states that export consignments should be declared online once the exporter is ready to export.

The declaration contains important information about the shipment, which can include:

Exporter
Consignee
Goods
HS codes
Quantity
Packages
Value
Country of destination
Transport information
Applicable Customs information

Accuracy is extremely important.

Errors in the declaration can result in delays, amendments or additional Customs queries.

Step 14: Submit the Export CusDec Before Export

The export CusDec should be submitted before the goods are exported, after obtaining the necessary approvals where applicable.

Sri Lanka Customs currently states that export should take place within 30 days from the CusDec registration date.

Therefore, exporters should not treat the CusDec as something to be completed after the shipment has already left Sri Lanka.

The declaration should be prepared as part of the pre-export process.

Step 15: Customs Examination and Risk Assessment

Not every shipment is necessarily physically examined in the same way.

Sri Lanka Customs states that export consignments can be selected according to risk-management criteria.

The categories include:

Exempted
Panel Examination
Cargo to be Examined

This means an exporter should be prepared for the possibility that Customs may require examination of the goods.

The shipment should therefore match the information provided in the declaration and supporting documents.

Step 16: Customs Charges and Export Levies

Exporters should distinguish between Customs processing charges and export levies that may apply to particular commodities.

Sri Lanka Customs states that certain commodities may be liable for export levies depending on the commodity and HS code. These can include levies associated with specific sectors such as tea, coconut and rubber.

The applicable rates should be checked using the current National Export Tariff Guide.

Because rates and applicable commodities can change, exporters should verify the current position before each shipment.

Step 17: Customs Processing Locations

Sri Lanka Customs currently identifies different locations for processing export CusDecs depending on the cargo.

These include:

Export Office – Customs Headquarters

Used particularly for LCL and air freight cargo.

Export Facilitation Centre

Used for FCL cargo where applicable.

Air Cargo Export Office

Used for air freight cargo, including perishables.

Your freight forwarder or Customs House Agent can help determine the appropriate processing arrangements for your shipment.

Step 18: Complete the Export Shipment

After the relevant Customs procedures, approvals and examination requirements have been completed, the goods can proceed through the export process.

The shipment must comply with:

Customs requirements
Shipping requirements
Port/airport requirements
Product-specific approvals
Destination-country requirements

Your logistics provider or Customs House Agent can coordinate the operational side of the shipment.

Step 19: Obtain an Export Certificate When Required

Sri Lanka Customs provides an Export (Shipment Effected) Certificate.

According to Customs, this can be obtained by submitting a written request together with the relevant export documents.

Such documentation can be useful where a bank, buyer, government authority or other institution requires evidence that the shipment was actually exported.

Common Problems With Customs Export Registration

New exporters often experience problems because they treat Customs registration as a single application rather than a complete process.

Common issues include:

Incorrect business information

The information submitted to Customs should correspond with the company’s official records.

Incorrect TIN or VAT information

Tax registration information should be checked carefully before submission.

Incorrect HS code

A wrong classification can affect the Customs process and regulatory requirements.

Missing permits

Some products require approval from another government authority.

Missing supporting documents

Invoices, packing lists and applicable permits should be prepared before submission.

Incorrect exporter information

The exporter information in the CusDec should correspond with the actual transaction.

Poor preparation of product descriptions

Goods should be described accurately rather than using vague descriptions.

Assuming every export follows the same process

Product-specific requirements can differ significantly.

Sri Lanka Customs Exporter Registration Checklist

Before your first commercial export, consider the following checklist:

Business registered
Company activities reviewed
TIN obtained
VAT registration checked
Customs e-Registration completed
Exporter registration completed
ASYCUDA access arranged
Declarant/CHA arrangement decided
Exporter proxy arrangement considered if applicable
HS code confirmed
Export restrictions checked
OGA approvals checked
Commercial invoice prepared
Packing list prepared
Certificate of Origin arranged if required
Product certificates arranged if required
Export CusDec prepared
Supporting documents uploaded
Customs processing completed
Examination completed if selected
Shipment exported within the applicable period
Export documentation retained

Do You Need a Customs House Agent?

Not necessarily.

Sri Lanka Customs allows an exporter or Customs House Agent to act as the declarant for an export consignment.

However, using an experienced CHA can be useful for businesses that are new to exporting.

A CHA can assist with operational matters such as:

Export CusDec preparation
ASYCUDA processing
Customs documentation
Customs examination coordination
Shipping documentation
Clearance procedures
Coordination with relevant parties

The decision depends on the exporter’s experience, shipment volume and internal capabilities.

Customs Registration vs Company Registration

These should not be confused.

Company Registration

Creates the legal business entity.

Tax Registration

Establishes the relevant tax identity and registrations.

Customs Registration

Allows the business to operate within the applicable Customs trader systems.

ASYCUDA Access

Provides electronic access required for Customs processing.

Export CusDec

Declares a particular shipment to Customs.

Product Licence

May be required for particular categories of goods.

A business may therefore need to complete several separate processes before its first export.

Can MAPA Help With Export Company Setup?

Yes. MAPA Corporate Services can assist with the business and corporate side of establishing an export business in Sri Lanka.

Services can include:

Company name reservation
Private Limited Company registration
Incorporation documentation
Business activity structuring
TIN registration support
Tax registration support
Company secretarial services
Corporate compliance
Business registration guidance
Assistance in preparing for Customs-related registration

Customs-specific approvals and shipment-level procedures depend on the product and transaction and may require coordination with Customs, a Customs House Agent or the relevant government authority.

Want to set up your export business?

<a href=”https://wa.me/94702861981?text=I%20want%20to%20register%20an%20export%20company” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Start Your Export Business on WhatsApp</a>

For current company registration and business setup packages, visit:

<a href=”https://startabusinessinsrilanka.com/pricing/“>View MAPA Pricing</a>

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register as an exporter with Sri Lanka Customs?

Exporter registration is handled through the Customs electronic registration system. You should first establish the business and relevant tax registrations, then complete the applicable exporter registration process and arrange the required ASYCUDA access.

Is company registration the same as Customs registration?

No. Company incorporation and Customs exporter registration are separate processes.

Do exporters need ASYCUDA?

Exporters need to consider the applicable ASYCUDA registration/access arrangements because Customs uses ASYCUDA World for electronic Customs processing.

Can a Customs House Agent submit my export declaration?

Yes. Sri Lanka Customs states that either the exporter or a Customs House Agent can act as the declarant for an export consignment.

What is a CusDec?

A CusDec, or Customs Declaration, is the electronic declaration submitted to Customs for the export transaction.

When should I submit the export CusDec?

Sri Lanka Customs states that the export CusDec should be submitted before the goods are exported, after obtaining necessary approvals where applicable.

How long do I have to export after registering the CusDec?

Sri Lanka Customs currently states that export should be effected within 30 days from the CusDec registration date.

Does every export require a licence?

Not necessarily. Requirements depend on the goods. Certain commodities may require permits or approvals from other government agencies before export.

Do I need a Customs House Agent?

Not necessarily. An exporter can act as the declarant, or a Customs House Agent can handle the declaration process.

What is an HS Code?

An HS Code is the tariff classification used to identify goods for Customs purposes. Sri Lanka Customs provides a Tariff Guide and classification assistance.

Can MAPA register my company and help me prepare for Customs registration?

MAPA can assist with company incorporation, corporate documentation, tax registration support and preparation for the Customs/export setup process. The exact Customs and product-specific requirements depend on your business and goods.

Final Thoughts

Sri Lanka Customs exporter registration is more than simply filling out one form.

A new exporter may need to coordinate:

Company registration → TIN/VAT → Customs e-Registration → Exporter registration → ASYCUDA → HS classification → Product approvals → Export CusDec → Customs processing → Shipment

The exact requirements depend on what you export and how you conduct the shipment.

Before your first export, make sure you understand both the general Customs procedure and the specific requirements applicable to your product.

Ready to start your export business in Sri Lanka?