Department of Commerce Conducts Regional Awareness Seminar for SMEs in the Matara District
Consultative Meeting on Trade Promotion held on 17.02.2026
10th China-south Asia Exposition & The 30th China Kunming Import And Export Fair 2026 (South Asia Pavillion)
The 13th Session of the Sri Lanka - Pakistan Joint Economic Commission (JEC) and the 8th Session of the Sri Lanka-Pakistan Commerce Secretary Level Talks
National Training on Trade Remedies Successfully Concluded at the Department of Commerce
UK DCTS Rules of Origin Reform Strengthens Apparel Market Access for Enhanced Preference Countries Including Sri Lanka
Department of Commerce Holds Religious Observances to Commence the New Year 2026
Department of Commerce Contributes Rs. 600,000 to the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” Fund

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Vision

“Raising living standards of the people through international trade relations”

Mission

“To develop and promote Sri Lanka’s foreign trade relations at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels by the effective implementation of government trade policy, with a view to raising the standards of living and realizing a higher quality of life through the increase of total production, income and employment levels, thereby actively contributing to the overall economic growth of Sri Lanka.”

Department of Commerce

SAFTA (South Asia Free Trade Agreement)

Details
Category: DoC FAQ
What are the member countries under SAFTA?

What are the member countries under SAFTA?

 
India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan Maldives and Nepal are the member countries of APTA.
 
What are the products eligible for Tariff Concessions? And to what extend?

What are the products eligible for Tariff Concessions? And to what extend?

 
All countries brought down tariffs to a level between 0-5 percent on all products other than those in the Sensitive Lists of Member Countries. Sensitive Lists of member countries are given at http://doc.gov.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=56&Itemid=183&lang=en
 
(Remember – only the products which are NOT in the above list are eligible for tariff concessions)
 
What document to be submitted to the Customs Authorities in the importing country to avail the tariff concessions?

What document to be submitted to the Customs Authorities in the importing country to avail the tariff concessions?

 
A Certificate of Origin issued by the DoC should be submitted. DoC issues CoOs only for the products which meet the Rules of Origin Criteria as given at http://doc.gov.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=55&Itemid=182&lang=en
You may discuss the eligibility of your products for tariff concessions with the Rules of Origin Division of the DoC.