Meeting Notes
Import Section of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) and Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI)
Date: 02nd October 2025
1. Staffing and Operational Capacity
- SLSI is addressing the staffing gap and awaiting approvals for approximately 100 new recruitments.
- Recruitment process includes a mix of experienced staff and is expected to be completed within 2–3 months.
- Plans are underway to enhance testing capacity through 24/7 operations. Approval for extended carder is pending at the Prime Minister’s level. Once approved, full 24-hour operations can be implemented.
2. Trader Facilitation
- SLSI is currently following an AEO-like compliant trader facilitation system.
3. No Objection Letter (NOL)
- IMP CCC raised concerns about delays in issuing the No Objection Letter, which currently takes up to two days for products under the same HS code.
- Proposal: request sub-heading codes from Customs to expedite the process, as SLSI cannot release goods without the NOL.
4. Sample Collection
- Sample collection at the port is now available 24/7.
- For goods supplied by the same sample supplier for more than five consecutive consignments, SLSI will analyze the products through the system and release the goods after a sample has been drawn from the consignment, upon the importer’s request.
5. Digital Tracking
- IMP CCC inquired about tracking facilities for their consignments.
- SLSI noted that document processing status can be tracked via the existing system, but sample collection status is managed manually.
- Improvements are underway in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), which is still in the testing stage and expected to be implemented by the end of the year.
- Discussions highlighted the importance of importers updating their contact details to avoid missing critical notifications.
6. Bank Guarantee and Warehouse Release
- SLSI is reviewing the requirement for a bank guarantee for warehouse releases, based on H.E.’s advice.
- Previous discussions suggested a Green Channel-like system for reliable importers where SLSI provides recommendations to Customs, potentially eliminating the bank guarantee.
- Concerns were raised regarding importers with AEO facility having to visit the RCT due to SLSI inspection.
- SLSI explained that officers operate full-time at RCT, and moving inspections to warehouses would cause slight delays and additional transportation costs, to be borne by the respective companies.
- Inspections at the airport were also discussed, but SLSI noted that due to low frequency, maintaining a dedicated office and staff would be costly.
7. Energy Efficiency Standards
- Importers inquired about new SLSI standards for air conditioners.
- LECO is expected to issue the gazette in December 2025 for Energy Efficiency Standards, aligned with WTO requirements.
- SLSI confirmed that a grace period will be provided after the gazette is introduced, and standards will be uploaded on their website.
Follow-Up
IMP CCC requested that SLSI continue collaboration on future awareness sessions for importers.