The meeting provided an essential platform to address sector-specific challenges and explore avenues for mutual collaboration—particularly within the Logistics & Maritime and Medical & Health sectors.
Strengthening Trade Facilitation through Strategic Dialogue
The engagement, facilitated with the active participation of representatives from AHK Sri Lanka’s Sector Committees, focused on shared priorities and several key topics were tabled:
- Enhancing Customs Clearance Efficiency
- Importation of Spare Parts of Medical Devices
- Advancing Digitalisation and Automatisation of Procedures
- Increasing Trade Facilitation
- Training and Development Opportunities
The constructive dialogue was moderated by Mr. Martin Klose, Chief Delegate of AHK Sri Lanka, where the recent improvements and ongoing reforms introduced by Sri Lanka Customs were acknowledged and appreciated by AHK Sri Lanka and its sectoral representatives.
Commendable Reforms and Sectoral Developments
Among the developments recognised during the meeting was the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Program, praised for its potential to streamline trade and enhance compliance. However, both parties noted that greater stakeholder awareness and industry-wide adoption are crucial for the program’s success.
Sri Lanka Customs also emphasized recent initiatives such as the Green Channel clearance mechanism for critical imports—particularly pharmaceuticals, agricultural goods, and sanitary items—reflecting a growing commitment to responsive and efficient customs processes.
Port congestion, a recurring concern for logistics operators, is expected to ease further with the planned allocation of new yard space and the integration of additional technical equipment.
Specific regulatory barriers affecting the healthcare sector, particularly regarding the importation of spare parts for medical equipment, were also on the agenda. AHK Sri Lanka—alongside other business chambers—has consistently advocated for practical solutions in this area. Encouragingly, Sri Lanka Customs has already initiated reforms to streamline these processes, with additional improvements currently in progress.
Next Steps and Collaboration
A recurring theme throughout the discussions was the need for enhanced communication and greater visibility of ongoing reforms. Although Sri Lanka Customs has made strides in modernising its processes, limited visibility and outreach to industry stakeholders hinder the full utilisation of these improvements.
In response, Sri Lanka Customs has proposed an Awareness Session, designed to inform the business community about recent and upcoming changes. AHK Sri Lanka is pleased to facilitate and organise this event, fostering clarity and engagement across sectors.
The upcoming session will serve as a vital touchpoint for stakeholders to learn about new procedures, benefit from recent reforms, and engage directly with customs officials. Event details will be shared in due course.
AHK Sri Lanka is part of the German Chamber Network supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE). With 150 locations in 93 countries around the world, the members of the German Chamber Network (AHKs) offer their experience, connections, and services to German and companies of the respective partner countries. AHKs are located in all countries of particular importance to German companies and are closely connected to the Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHKs) in Germany.
