Sri Lanka Customs goes paperless, introduces PAPERLESS DECLARATION PROCESS

Sri Lanka Customs has announced Customs new online paperless declaration process effective from October 1, 2026. The Customs website states as follows:

Sri Lanka Customs has introduced a paperless process for customs declarations at the Declaration Directorate. Traders and customs brokers no longer need to physically visit customs counters to hand over paper documents, as all declarations and supporting documents are now submitted and reviewed electronically.

Under this system, customs declarations (CusDec) are lodged to ASYCUDA with Digital Signature along with digitally signed scanned copies of all required supporting documents, including commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, the proxy document, certificates of origin, permits, and any other documents required by regulating agencies. Officers of the Declaration Directorate review and verify these documents electronically in ASYCUDA, and any queries or requests for additional information are handled through the system.

This process reduces waiting times at customs counters, eliminates the need to carry and submit bundles of paper documents, and allows declarations to be tracked in real time. All submissions and decisions are recorded securely in the system, improving transparency, accuracy, and accountability, while also reducing paper use and supporting a more sustainable way of working.

MANDATORY IMPLEMENTATION OF PAPERLESS CUSTOMS DECLARATION

All importers and declarants are hereby informed that the Paperless Customs Declaration process at Long Room will become mandatory with effect from 1 October 2026.

Accordingly, all Customs Declarations (CusDecs) and relevant supporting documents are required to be submitted using valid digital signatures.

With effect from the above date, manual processing and submission of Customs Declarations and supporting documents will no longer be accepted.

All importers and declarants are therefore requested to make the necessary arrangements, including obtaining the required digital signatures, to ensure full compliance with this mandatory requirement.