Efficient clearance: Sri Lanka Customs clears controversy

Sri Lanka Customs has confirmed that none of the 323 controversial import consignments included items under the name of Expo Lanka, ensuring there was no inclusion of weapons, gold, or narcotics, thus posing no risk to Customs revenue or national security.

Sri Lanka Customs stated that Labour Minister and Economic Affairs Deputy Minister Prof.Anil Jayantha presented a report to Parliament on January 22, highlighting these updates and affirming the effectiveness of the new clearance system.

Since September 2020, Sri Lanka Customs has been operating a clearance procedure based on risk management principles. This system uses the Customs data system to select items for physical examination, scan inspection, dual inspections, or clearance without inspection. Despite the efficient design, some consignments faced delays in physical inspections, causing congestion and impacting the release of essential goods. To mitigate this, a screening unit of experienced senior officers was established to select and clear lower-risk consignments, thereby reducing inspection delays.

Currently, about 60% of import consignments are cleared daily without physical inspections.This improved procedure, approved by senior management and effective since July 18, 2024, involves scanning through the goods monitoring system, price verification, and specific identification of goods. The criteria also ensure that multiple importers’ goods are not consolidated in the same consignment and that there is no oversight by other enforcement agencies. This measure has significantly reduced congestion, enabling importers to clear their goods quickly and at minimal cost. The screening committee, following instructions from the President and committee chairman Minister Bimal Ratnayake, has ensured the swift release of consignments, thus minimizing congestion and facilitating trade.

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