Paperless customs declaration system set to launch in October
Reported by Ada Derana
5 hours ago
Sri Lanka will introduce a Paperless Customs Declaration Processing System on October 1, aimed at digitalising public services and modernising economic processes. The system will integrate LankaSign digital signatures with ASYCUDA to enable secure online customs submissions, while authorities assure no job losses for customs clearing agents.
The government plans to roll out the Paperless Customs Declaration Processing System starting October 1 as part of its broader digitalisation and economic modernisation efforts, according to Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
Speaking at an awareness programme on digital signatures and the new system held in Colombo on August 28, Dr. Kumanayake said the initiative is a key component of the government’s economic reform agenda and aims to align Sri Lanka’s public services with global standards.
The new system is expected to accelerate customs clearance by making it faster, more transparent and efficient, while offering greater convenience to import and export companies, the President’s Media Division reported.
By integrating the LankaSign digital signature with the ASYCUDA system, customs documents can be submitted online in a legally recognised and secure manner, Dr. Kumanayake noted, adding that the system will help prevent fraud and corruption by detecting any alterations made after a digital signature is applied.
Addressing concerns about employment, Dr. Kumanayake emphasised that the paperless system would not result in job losses for customs clearing agents, though the nature of their work may change as digital procedures are adopted. He stressed that cooperation from all stakeholders is essential for the successful implementation of the system.
Officials from Sri Lanka Customs, the Revenue Administration Reform and Modernisation Bureau, LankaSign, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, customs clearing agents, import and export companies, and other relevant institutions participated in the awareness programme.