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About Us

Trade National Single Window System, a Project coming under the preview of the Department of Trade and Investment Policy of the Ministry of Finance, Planning & Economic Developments to facilitate international trade in Sri Lanka

About Us

Background

Sri Lanka became a signatory to the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (WTO-TFA) in February 2017, committing to implement stipulated trade facilitation measures. In alignment with WTO-TFA guidelines, Sri Lanka categorized its commitments into three groups: Category A, B, and C. Establishing a Trade National Single Window System (TNSWS), classified under Category C commitment, aims to facilitate cross-border trade flows, as specified by Article 10.4 of the WTO-TFA. Sri Lanka has committed to develop the system and report to WTO before 31 st December 2030.

The National Single Window (NSW) will offer online services designed to reduce administrative burdens for international traders by automating critical interactions with Sri Lankan Government Border Regulatory Agencies (BRAs). It will also enable seamless electronic exchange of information among these agencies involved in import, export, and transshipment processes. Government Regulatory Agencies Issue Certificates, Licenses, Permits, and Recommendations (CLPR) necessary for trade regulation compliance. The TNSWS will serve as a centralized electronic interface where traders submit information and documents to obtain these regulatory requirements efficiently.

In 2018, a comprehensive & for the National Single Window was developed with technical support from the World Bank. The Ministry of Finance initiated preliminary actions for project implementation, culminating in a Cabinet Memorandum approving the establishment of the NSW in 2022. Subsequently, a High-Level Steering Committee (HLSC) was formed to oversee strategic decisions, and the Trade and Investment Policy Department (TIPD) was authorized to execute the project. Additionally, a dedicated Project Implementation Committee (PIC) was constituted.

The Project Implementation Unit (PIU), comprising a Project Director and five experts, was formally deployed to manage the implementation process. Operational from October 1st, 2024, the PIU holds full responsibility for the project & execution. Upon completion, the NSW will integrate 18 government agencies and five corporate sector chambers, significantly enhancing Sri Lanka’s trade facilitation framework


Vision


“Be an excellent digitally-integrated, simplified & efficient interface for tradefacilitation in the South-Asian region.”
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Mission


“Re-engineering regulatory processes and deploying a 'Single Window' system to efficiently facilitate cross-border trade while ensuring regulatory compliance within a reliable, secure, and user-friendly digital environment.”
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Goals and Objectives

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Expected Outcomes

  • Increasing trade and economic growth by aligning and simplifying import and export procedures to reduce the transaction costs.
  • Providing fully digitalized interface in import and export trade by allowing electronic submission of information and documents.
  • Establishing a facility for traders, agents and logistic service providers involved in international trade to lodge standardized information, digitally in a single-entry point.
  • Facilitating legitimate trade by improving compliance, enforcement, security, and safety.
  • Enhancing the efficiency of cross-border formalities and procedures to create a conducive business environment.

Expected Outputs

  • Reengineering of business process in 18 government agencies for streamlining administrative workflows
  • Reducing administrative burden of 25,000 traders through single submission of data and documents
  • Simplifying of trade documents and regulatory processes in 18 government agencies
  • Establishing a digital interface to all import, export and transit administrations
  • Creating an online payment gateway for fees and charges
  • Harmonizing formalities and trade procedures in 18 government agencies to address duplication of regulatory requirements
  • Reforming legal and regulatory environment in 18 government agencies

Core Values of PIU

Core values that are contributes towards effective decision making, building relationships and solving problems.

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Maintaining good governance


Upholding accountability and transparency to ensure effective and ethical management of task and resources

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Building Collaborations


Working together to build strong intra & inter agency relationships with GAs, business community, industry, chambers and sectorial associations

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Integrity & Accountability


Maintaining highest integrity and accountability for all what we do

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Trust


Building mutual trust by sharing and recording experience

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Open Communication & Transparency


Maintaining open communication with all stakeholders

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Mutual respect


Encouraging mutual respect for each stakeholder working norms, their systems & procedures to enhance a safe and secure trade facilitation environment

Governance Structure

The governance framework of the National Single Window (NSW) ensures strategic direction, oversight, and accountability across all implementation levels. It is designed to promote collaboration among public and private sector stakeholders while maintaining transparency, compliance, and operational efficiency. Through a tiered structure involving government authorities, steering committees, and implementation units, the system facilitates policy alignment, performance monitoring, and continuous i

governance structure governance structure