The government will introduce a digital customs declaration processing system on October 1, integrating LankaSign digital signatures with the ASYCUDA platform to streamline trade procedures and enhance security.

Sri Lanka will implement a paperless customs declaration system beginning October 1 as part of its broader digitalisation initiative for public services. President's Secretary Nandika Sanath Kumanayake announced the development at an awareness programme held at the SEMA Building in Colombo, emphasizing that the move aligns the country's practices with global standards and supports the government's economic reform agenda.

The new system will integrate LankaSign digital signatures with the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA), enabling importers and exporters to submit customs documents electronically in a legally recognized and secure manner. According to Kumanayake, the paperless approach will make customs clearance faster, more transparent, and more efficient while reducing opportunities for fraud and corruption by detecting any unauthorized modifications to digitally signed documents.

Addressing concerns from the business community, the President's Secretary stated that the introduction of digital procedures will not result in job losses for customs clearing agents, though their work responsibilities may evolve. He stressed that successful implementation would depend on the cooperation and support of all stakeholders, including customs officials, regulatory bodies, and trade representatives.

The awareness programme brought together officials from Sri Lanka Customs, the Revenue Administration Reform and Modernisation Bureau, LankaSign, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, customs clearing agents, and import-export companies to discuss the system's benefits and implementation procedures.