# Sri Lanka Export Readiness Checklist

Source: https://srilankaexport.com/de/sri-lanka-export-checklist/

Start Exporting from Sri Lanka

## Sri Lanka Export Readiness Checklist

Thinking of exporting your products from Sri Lanka? Work through this step-by-step checklist to get registered, compliant and ready to ship, then list your products and reach buyers worldwide.

0% export-readyTick the steps you’ve completed to see how export-ready you are.

1Get registered

Register your business with the Registrar of Companies (sole proprietorship or (Pvt) Ltd).
Get a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) from the Inland Revenue Department, and register for VAT if your turnover requires it.
Register with Sri Lanka Customs for an exporter registration number (ASYCUDA World). You’ll need your NIC/passport, business-registration certificate, TIN/VAT, a utility bill and your premises deed or lease.
Open a business bank account and arrange how you’ll receive export proceeds in foreign currency (inward remittances).
Optional: register with the Export Development Board (EDB), voluntary since 2019, but useful for trade-fair access and EDB assistance programs.

2Product compliance & approvals

Identify the certifications your product and target market need, e.g. HACCP / ISO 22000 for food, organic certification, or SLSI standards.
Obtain product-specific approvals: tea → Sri Lanka Tea Board; plant products → phytosanitary certificate from the National Plant Quarantine Service (NPQS).
Arrange any fumigation or treatment your destination country requires for your product.

3Documents & pricing

Find your product’s HS code (see our [HS Code Finder](/sri-lanka-hs-codes/)) and check the duty in your target market with our [import guides](/import-from-sri-lanka/).
Decide your Incoterms (FOB Colombo / CIF) and prepare the core documents: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading / airway bill.
Arrange a Certificate of Origin (Department of Commerce), and register for REX if claiming the EU GSP+ preference.
Cost and price your product (FOB/CIF), and set your MOQ and a sample policy. See current [Ceylon commodity prices](/ceylon-commodity-prices/) for reference.

4Packaging, logistics & buyers

Use export-grade packaging and labeling that meets your destination’s rules.
Choose a freight forwarder and decide FCL vs LCL. Plan your load with our [Container Load Calculator](/container-load-calculator/).
Find buyers, list your products on a B2B marketplace and respond to sourcing requests.

This is a general guide. Exact requirements depend on your product and destination and can change: always confirm with the relevant authority (Sri Lanka Customs, IRD, EDB, the Tea Board, NPQS and the Department of Commerce). Your progress is saved in this browser only.

### Official resources

- [Sri Lanka Customs: Exporting Goods](https://www.customs.gov.lk/business/exporting-goods/)

- [EDB: Register as an Exporter](https://www.srilankabusiness.com/exporters/register-with-edb/)

- [Department of Commerce: Certificate of Origin / REX](https://www.doc.gov.lk/)

- [SriLankaExport: Export Documents Checklist](/sri-lanka-export-documents-checklist/)

### Export-ready? Start selling.

List your products on SriLankaExport.com and reach verified buyers worldwide, free to join. We help with enquiries, quotes and getting your first orders.

[List your products →](/vendor-register/)

Grow or peel cinnamon? We’re opening a dedicated [Ceylon cinnamon exporter program](/cinnamon-exporter-program/) that helps producers grade, get export-ready and reach buyers, step by step.

### Frequently asked questions

Do I need to register with the EDB to export from Sri Lanka?No, mandatory EDB registration was removed in 2019. The essential registration is with Sri Lanka Customs (for an exporter number), plus your business registration and TIN. EDB registration is now voluntary and useful mainly for trade-fair access and assistance programs.

What are the first steps to start exporting?Register your business, get a TIN from the Inland Revenue Department, and register as an exporter with Sri Lanka Customs. Then sort product certifications, your HS code and export documents, and find buyers.

Which products need special permits?Tea (Sri Lanka Tea Board) and plant/agricultural products (phytosanitary certificate from the NPQS) typically need product-specific approvals, among others. Confirm the requirements for your exact product.

How do I find buyers once I’m ready?List your products on a B2B marketplace like SriLankaExport.com, where international buyers post sourcing requests. [Create a free seller account](/vendor-register/) to get started.

Does my factory need FDA registration to ship food to the United States?Yes. A facility that makes, processes, packs or stores food for the US must be registered with the US FDA and must name a US Agent. A lab report does not replace that. We act as US Agent for Sri Lankan exporters: see [FDA registration and US Agent](/fda-registration-sri-lanka/).