Sri Lanka has taken another step towards digitising its border clearance process with the launch of a Paperless Customs Declaration System, introducing digitally signed customs declarations to improve cargo clearance and strengthen oversight.
The system, launched on October 1, forms part of broader efforts to streamline trade procedures and advance the development of a National Single Window that will connect government agencies involved in cross-border trade.
According to the official announcement, around 1,144 importers had registered for the system at the time of its launch. These registered importers account for more than 60% of Sri Lanka’s total imports, providing significant coverage for the initial implementation.
Under the new system, paperless declarations at the Customs Long Room are mandatory. Importers and declarants are required to submit customs declarations and supporting documentation carrying valid digital signatures. Sri Lanka Customs has stated that manual submissions will no longer be accepted under this process.
The move eliminates the need for traders and customs brokers to physically visit declaration counters to submit paperwork. Declarations, invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, permits and other supporting documents can instead be submitted electronically through ASYCUDA, where Customs officers can review the information and raise queries when required.
The digital process is expected to improve the speed and transparency of cargo clearance. Digital signatures also provide a mechanism to identify changes made to documents after signing, strengthening document integrity and helping reduce the potential for manipulation, fraud and corruption.
Deputy Minister of Economic Development Nishantha Jayaweera, who inaugurated the system, described the initiative as an important step towards establishing the National Single Window. The broader system is intended to provide traders with a single digital entry point for submitting regulatory documents to multiple agencies involved in international trade.
The latest development follows ongoing efforts to address weaknesses in Customs’ digital infrastructure. In July, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake called for procedural reforms, legislative changes and faster digital integration following a review of persistent inefficiencies and technology-related bottlenecks.
The review also considered the progress of the National Single Window, including concerns regarding slow adoption and limitations in the ability of different government systems to communicate and operate together.
Sri Lanka Customs had previously introduced a pilot paperless declaration process in August 2025 for selected Authorised Economic Operators and a declarant. The pilot allowed digitally signed documents to be submitted through ASYCUDA World without requiring physical submission to the Declaration Directorate.
Another earlier development involved the introduction of cargo information through ASYHUB, a platform connecting shipping lines, freight forwarders, ship operators, port authorities and Customs. Registration of cargo documentation through ASYHUB became mandatory from May 7, 2025, enabling Customs to receive container-related information before or close to the arrival of cargo at the port.
The Paperless Customs Declaration System was implemented jointly by Sri Lanka Customs, Lanka Sign and the Revenue Administration, Reforms and Innovation Bureau attached to the Presidential Secretariat.
Image Disclaimer: Pictures belong to their rightful owners.
