Thinking of starting an import or retail business? Discover how to manage commercial cargo, get your tax registrations, and streamline your international supply chain.
Designed specifically for aspiring entrepreneurs and SME owners, this B2B guide maps out the commercial import pipeline in Sri Lanka. It will start with the legal prerequisites: explaining the process of registering a business in Sri Lanka, obtaining a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and registering with Sri Lanka Customs to get an ASYCUDA (Automated System for Customs Data) profile.
The post will thoroughly explain the role of a Customs House Agent (CHA). It will clarify that hiring a licensed CHA is legally required for clearing commercial cargo, and outline what business owners should look for when partnering with one.
Furthermore, the article will explore strategies for lowering costs and improving profit margins. This includes consolidating shipments with a freight forwarder, understanding Incoterms (like FOB vs. CIF), and leveraging Certificates of Origin under free trade agreements (such as the ISFTA with India) to legally reduce import tariffs on specific goods