ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka Customs is seeking early declaration of cargo from this month, and will commence pre-arrival processing of import cargo as a pilot undertaking from May well, Further Director Normal Sudatta Silva explained.
“It is continue to in the advancement stage,” Silva advised EconomyNext. “If the pilot is thriving, we would be able to start by the conclude of June.”
Presently cargo ships arriving in Sri Lanka must declare the cargo on their arrival in territorial waters.
“We system on receiving cargo info 48 hours before the departure of the ship from the international port,” Silva reported. “That way it is more rapidly for us to do our research.”
“This way we can do the possibility evaluation and see if it’s lower chance, medium chance or significant possibility.”
Sri Lanka Customs can then start the approach of authorization and documentation in advance of the ship arrives in Sri Lankan territorial waters.
Prior cargo declaration begins from April, and piloting of pre-arrival processing is established to get started on May possibly 1.
The pre-arrival and prior cargo declaration venture supported by German’s GIZ. (Colombo/Apr10/2024)