Exporters seek risk-based approach to forced labour rules

Sri Lanka’s exporters have called on the government to adopt a risk-based enforcement model in implementing newly gazetted regulations banning the importation of goods produced through forced labour, warning that the absence of clear operational guidelines could disrupt legitimate trade and increase compliance costs.

The Exporters Association of Sri Lanka (EASL), while welcoming the government’s move to align with internationally accepted labour standards and global efforts to eradicate forced labour from supply chains, stressed the need for a transparent and internationally aligned implementation framework.

In a statement, the Association noted that although the regulations had been gazetted, the operational procedures necessary for their enforcement had yet to be finalised.

The EASL cautioned that uncertainty surrounding implementation could result in shipment delays, higher compliance costs, increased administrative burdens and unnecessary disruptions to trade.

The Association urged authorities to engage in structured consultations with exporters, importers, chambers of commerce, logistics providers and other stakeholders before introducing enforcement mechanisms.

A key recommendation put forward by the EASL was the adoption of a risk-based enforcement model consistent with international best practices. Under such an approach, regulatory scrutiny would focus on high-risk goods, supply chains and jurisdictions rather than imposing blanket documentation and compliance requirements on every import transaction.

The Association said this would enable authorities to effectively target potential violations while minimising unnecessary burdens on legitimate businesses and maintaining the efficient flow of trade.

The EASL also called on Sri Lanka Customs to publish comprehensive implementation guidelines detailing documentation requirements, verification procedures and reasonable transition arrangements before the regulations come into force.

EASL Chairman Nalaka Ratnayake said Sri Lanka’s exporters fully support ethical trade practices and efforts to eliminate forced labour from global supply chains.

However, he stressed that any new compliance framework should be accompanied by clear guidelines and meaningful stakeholder engagement to ensure that legitimate trade activities are not adversely affected.

"A transparent, practical and risk-based approach will help achieve the objectives of the regulations while safeguarding Sri Lanka's competitiveness as a trading nation," Ratnayake said.

The exporters' appeal comes amid growing international scrutiny of supply chains and increasing efforts by governments worldwide to prevent the importation of goods linked to forced labour and other labour rights violations.