Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) Webinar Series

The UK Government launched the DCTS on 19^th June 2023. The DCTS is the UK’s new unilateral preference scheme and liberalises trade with 65 developing countries. It offers simpler and more generous trading terms and aims to boost trade with partner countries.

We have put together a series of webinars to support businesses to export to the UK under the scheme. All sessions will include a Q&A section. Please feel free to forward these links to relevant business and policy groups. More information on the scheme can be found at Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

SPECIAL NOTICE TO BASMATI RICE IMPORTERS UNDER PSFTA

Department of Commerce

Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Food Security

Reallocation and the Extension of the Deadline for Importation of Basmati Rice under Pakistan-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (PSFTA) - 2023

The previous quota allocations done with regard to importation of Basmati rice under the Pakistan-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement will not be valid after 31st January 2024. New registration will be opened from 01^st February 2024 to 08^th February 2024 to reallocated the unutilized quota in 2023.

The deadline for the issuance of duty exemption certificates in relation to the reallocated quota is 15^th April 2024.

The duty-waiver recommendations will be applicable only to PK385 variety of Basmati rice/ Super Kernel Basmati/ Super Basmati Rice/ 1121-Kainat Rice/ D-98 Basmati Rice varieties imported fromPakistan.

The quota applications can be handed over to the Department of Commerce, located at No. 492, L.H.P. Building, R.A. De Mel Mawatha, Colombo 03.  

Documents required for New Registration

1. Duly completed application form - Applications can be downloaded from www.doc.gov.lk
2. The original and a certified copy of the company registration.*
3. The original and a certified copy of the TIN certificate.*
4. Any other documents/information that would be required by the DOC.

Upon the confirmation of allocation of quota, registered importers can import basmati rice under the PSFTA and request for a duty exemption certificate from the Department of Commerce by submitting following documents.

1. The original letter of registration issued by the Department of Commerce
2. Original and a copy of the Certificate of Origin issued by the Trade and Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP)
3. Phytosanitary certificate issued by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research Development of Plant Protection of Pakistan
4. Certificate of fumigation issued by any institute approved the Ministry of National Food Security and Research Department of Plant Protection of Pakistan
5. Import CUSDEC
6. A third-party quality certificate issued from SGS Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd, confirming the exact variety of Basmati.
7. Quality certificate/s issued by M/s Trading Cooperation of Pakistan, confirming the exact variety of Basmati
8.  Original and a copy of the Bill of Lading, Commercial invoice, Packing list

*The original documents will be returned to the applicant after verification

Clearance of each import consignment will be subjected to verification of quality and health standards etc., by Sri Lanka Customs.

For any additional details, please contact;

Director General of Commerce

Department of Commerce, LHP Building, No.492,
Duplication Road (R.A.de Mel Mawatha), Colombo 03

Tel      : 011 232 97 33 / 011 243 61 14 / 11 232 71 91 / 011 232 55 24

Fax      : 0 11 2430233

Email  : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Web    : www.doc.gov.lk                                                   

Date: 31.01.2024