Paperless Customs Declaration Process Takes Effect Across Sri Lanka
COLOMBO, October 1, 2026 — Sri Lanka Customs has officially introduced its new Paperless Customs Declaration Process, marking a major step towards digitalising and modernising the country’s customs clearance system.
The new system, jointly introduced by the Revenue Administration Reforms and Modernisation Bureau of the Presidential Secretariat and Sri Lanka Customs, is designed to make customs procedures faster, more efficient and more transparent.
An official launch ceremony is scheduled to be held at 10 a.m. today at the Sri Lanka Customs Auditorium, under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Economic Development Nishantha Jayaweera and Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
Under the new system, all importers and customs declarants are required to submit customs declarations and relevant supporting documents bearing a valid digital signature with effect from October 1, 2026.
Declarations submitted under the previous paper-based system will no longer be accepted.
A key feature of the new digital process is its ability to detect any modifications made to documents after a digital signature has been applied. Authorities expect this function to strengthen the integrity and security of customs documentation while reducing opportunities for fraud and corruption.
The shift to a fully digital declaration process is also expected to streamline customs clearance by reducing reliance on physical documents and improving the efficiency of information handling between importers, declarants and customs authorities.
For businesses engaged in international trade, the move represents an important change in the way customs documentation must be prepared and submitted. Importers and declarants will need to ensure that their digital-signature processes and supporting documentation comply with the new requirements.
The Paperless Customs Declaration Process forms part of the Government’s wider programme to digitalise public services and modernise revenue administration under its economic reform agenda.
The authorities expect the transition to improve transparency and accountability while creating a more efficient customs environment for businesses and other stakeholders involved in Sri Lanka’s import and trade activities.
