Sri Lanka launches One TRADE single window with tea and coconut exporters in first phase

Sri Lanka has launched its One TRADE national single window, beginning with tea and coconut exporters as it moves cross-border documentation onto a common digital platform. The system went live on 5 November 2026 under the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, with participating businesses creating the first Customs Declaration through the platform during the launch session.

The launch follows new regulations giving legal recognition to electronic trade documentation. The initiative combines a shared submission channel with regulatory provisions allowing participating authorities to handle applications digitally, supporting the country’s wider effort to simplify import, export and transit procedures.

What does the new digital trade framework establish?

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, acting as Minister of Digital Economy, issued the regulations under the Electronic Transactions Act No. 19 of 2006. GovTech Sri Lanka (Pvt) Ltd has been designated the system’s authorised operator.

The framework enables traders and regulatory bodies to exchange documents and data through One TRADE. Electronic records submitted through the system receive legal recognition, allowing authorities to examine, approve or reject submissions electronically within their existing powers.

The Electronic Transactions (National Single Window for Trade) Regulations, No. 1 of 2026 were published in an extraordinary gazette dated 4 November and took effect the following day.

Which products and agencies are covered initially?

The initial regulatory coverage extends to 124 tariff lines involving imports, exports and transshipment. Products include Ceylon tea, fresh and processed coconuts, copra, coir products and arrack.

Six participating authorities have been identified: Sri Lanka Customs, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, the Sri Lanka Tea Board, the Coconut Development Authority, the National Plant Quarantine Service under the Department of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Health and Mass Media’s Food Control Administration Unit.

Operational onboarding is being undertaken sector by sector, starting with coconut and tea businesses. The Finance Ministry said findings from the initial implementation would inform further refinements before the platform opens to additional business sectors.

The ministry also acknowledged contributions from private businesses, chambers, government institutions, GovTech and the Lanka Software Foundation in bringing the system into operation.

How is One TRADE intended to improve cargo documentation?

The platform is designed as a single entry point for standardised documents and information required by participating border agencies. Its stated objectives include better coordination between authorities, greater transparency and lower transaction costs.

For exporters and their logistics partners, the intended operational benefit is a more coordinated documentation process linking product-specific approvals with border requirements. The project also aims to replace paper-based manual procedures and reduce the administrative burden associated with cross-border trade. These remain programme objectives rather than quantified results from the initial rollout.

What preparation preceded the launch?

The rollout builds on inter-agency work undertaken during 2025 and 2026. On 24 June 2025, the Finance Ministry signed memoranda of understanding with 18 government agencies to formalise their participation in the national single-window project.

Preparatory assessments examined agencies’ business processes, legal requirements, technology systems and staffing capabilities, recognising that institutional readiness varied.

A progress review held in Colombo on 2 June 2026 brought together representatives of 20 government agencies, five chambers of commerce and other stakeholders. Participants reviewed a working version of the platform alongside plans for business-process reform, legal arrangements and user adoption.

The next operational step is to use experience from tea and coconut exporters to refine the service and extend access. The Finance Ministry’s launch announcement did not specify a date for opening the platform to all sectors.