Country Buyer Guides

Import-side guides for global buyers — covering trade preferences, tariff details, regulatory requirements, and top Sri Lanka products for each major market.

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United States

MFN tariffs · FDA · CBP · No active GSP

The USA is Sri Lanka's largest single-country export market. Without active GSP preferences, buyers pay standard MFN tariff rates — but WRAP-certified apparel, FDA-cleared rubber gloves, and premium specialty foods remain highly competitive.

Apparel & Textiles Rubber Gloves Ceylon Tea Spices

View USA Buyer Guide →

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United Kingdom

UK DCTS · UKCA phased-in · Strong apparel ties

The UK's Development and Cooperation Trade Scheme (DCTS) provides preferential access similar to EU GSP+. Sri Lanka is a critical supplier to UK fashion retail — Marks & Spencer, Next, and John Lewis all source Sri Lankan apparel.

Apparel & Lingerie Ceylon Tea Cinnamon Coconut Products

View UK Buyer Guide →

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Germany

EU GSP+ · CE/MDR · REACH · Leading EU partner

Germany is Sri Lanka's leading EU trading partner — H&M global sourcing, Triumph lingerie, specialty spice import. EU GSP+ delivers zero or near-zero duty rates, saving importers typically 5–12% versus MFN.

Knitted Apparel Ceylon Cinnamon Rubber Gloves Activated Carbon

View Germany Buyer Guide →

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UAE

5% GCC CET · Halal required · JAFZA re-export hub

The UAE is Sri Lanka's #3 tea export market and a key re-export hub for the wider GCC and Middle East. Dubai's JAFZA free zone is a strategic distribution point for Sri Lankan goods heading to Africa and the Gulf.

Ceylon Tea Spices (Halal) Coconut Oil Gems

View UAE Buyer Guide →

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India

ISFTA bilateral FTA · FSSAI required · CEPA under negotiation

India and Sri Lanka share the ISFTA free trade agreement, providing zero or reduced duty on many goods. India is Sri Lanka's #1 black pepper export market, and a significant buyer of rubber, gems, and natural resources.

Black Pepper Ceylon Tea Natural Rubber Gems

View India Buyer Guide →

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More Country Guides Coming

Japan, South Korea, Australia, Netherlands, France, Canada, and more — sourcing guides for additional markets are in development.

Sri Lanka's Trade Preferences — At a Glance

Market	Arrangement	Duty Benefit	Claim Document
🇪🇺 EU (27 states)	EU GSP+	Zero / near-zero duty	EUR.1 certificate or REX declaration
🇬🇧 United Kingdom	UK DCTS (Enhanced Preferences)	Zero / near-zero duty	UK preference claim (REX or Form A)
🇮🇳 India	ISFTA (bilateral FTA)	0% or reduced (product-specific)	Certificate of Origin (ISFTA format)
🇺🇸 United States	No active preference (GSP suspended 2013)	Standard MFN rates apply	Standard CBP entry documentation
🇦🇪 UAE / GCC	No bilateral FTA; GCC CET applies	5% GCC Common External Tariff	Standard customs documentation

Always verify current duty rates and preference eligibility for your specific HS code with your customs broker before finalising orders.