Frequently Asked Questions

MOQs vary significantly by product and supplier. For apparel, typical MOQs are 300–1,000 units per style/colour. For commodity goods (desiccated coconut, activated carbon, natural rubber), MOQ is typically 1 × 20ft container (12–20 MT depending on product density). Gems have no formal MOQ — individual stones can be purchased through authorised dealers. Always negotiate MOQ during initial discussions — many suppliers will accommodate smaller trial orders for new relationships.

Key resources include: (1) Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) — exporters directory at srilankabusiness.lk; (2) Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) for apparel manufacturers; (3) Lanka Export Guide inquiry system; (4) Trade shows — Colombo International Textile & Apparel Expo (CICTEX), GSF Sri Lanka, and ProFood Sri Lanka; (5) Colombo Tea Auction for tea buyers. Always verify certifications independently and conduct pre-shipment inspections via third parties (SGS, Intertek, QIMA).

Lead times vary by product: Apparel (first order): 60–90 days; Apparel (repeat order): 45–60 days; Tea: 2–4 weeks from purchase; Coconut products (standard grades): 2–4 weeks; Activated carbon: 4–6 weeks; Natural rubber: 1–2 weeks (from stock); Gems: 1–2 weeks (from selection). Add 7–28 days sea transit time depending on destination. Plan for delays in first-order development and sample approval phases — these are not included in production lead time.

Yes. The majority of Sri Lanka's major manufacturers offer full OEM and private label services — including custom branding, packaging, labelling, and documentation. Many leading apparel and rubber factories also offer ODM (original design manufacturing) — designing products to the buyer's brief with full development support. This is a key advantage Sri Lanka has over lower-cost, CMT-only competitors.

Common payment terms include: (1) Telegraphic Transfer (TT) — typically 30% advance deposit, 70% balance before or on presentation of shipping documents; (2) Letter of Credit (L/C) — at sight or 30/60/90 days — preferred by larger exporters for security; (3) Documentary Collection (D/P or D/A) — common for established relationships; (4) Open Account — only extended to long-term, trusted buyers. New buyers should expect to start with TT or L/C. Negotiate terms as the relationship develops.

Yes. Key trade preferences: EU GSP+ — zero/reduced duty access to all 27 EU member states (claim with EUR.1 certificate or REX declaration); UK DCTS — post-Brexit preferential access under Enhanced Preferences Framework (similar to EU GSP+); ISFTA — India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement providing preferential rates on many goods; US — Sri Lanka currently has no active preferential arrangement with the US (GSP suspended 2013). Check each destination country's tariff schedule for your specific HS code.

FOB (Free on Board) Colombo is the most common Incoterm for Sri Lankan exports — it is the industry standard for apparel, commodity goods, and industrial products. CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) is also offered by many exporters and may be more convenient for smaller buyers who don't manage their own freight. DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) is offered by some larger exporters for key markets. Always negotiate Incoterms clearly — confusion about who bears risk and cost between factory and port is a common source of disputes.

All major certification bodies maintain online registries: WRAP — verify at wrapcompliance.org; OEKO-TEX — verify at oeko-tex.com/certificate-check; GOTS — verify at global-standard.org; FDA device clearance — verify at accessdata.fda.gov; EU Organic — verify at ams.usda.gov/organic; ISO 22000 / FSSC 22000 — verify with the certifying body named on the certificate. Always check certificate expiry dates and that the specific production site address matches. Request copies of audit reports, not just certificates.

Yes. Factory audits are standard practice for larger buyers sourcing from Sri Lanka. Options: (1) In-person audit — visiting the factory directly (common for brands with sourcing offices in Colombo); (2) Third-party audit — via SGS, Bureau Veritas, Intertek, QIMA, or ELEVATE who operate in Sri Lanka; (3) SEDEX/SMETA report — many Sri Lankan factories already have recent SMETA audits available, which can reduce duplication. Most major Sri Lankan manufacturers welcome audits as evidence of their compliance credentials.

Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) and Cassia (C. cassia, C. aromaticum) are different species. Key differences: Coumarin — Ceylon contains extremely low coumarin (<0.04%); Cassia contains high coumarin (0.4–3%) associated with liver damage at high consumption. Flavour — Ceylon is sweeter, more delicate; Cassia is stronger, more pungent. Price — Ceylon commands a 5–10x premium. Regulations — EU food safety agencies recommend limiting Cassia consumption; Ceylon has no such limit. Sri Lanka exports only genuine Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum).

Yes. Sri Lanka's major rubber glove manufacturers hold US FDA 21 CFR 880.6250 (examination) and 880.6230 (surgical) clearances for the US market. For the EU, they hold CE marking under MDR 2017/745 with EN 455 compliance for medical gloves. Always request the specific FDA establishment registration number and 510(k) clearance documentation for the exact glove type you are purchasing. CE marking under the old MDD may be in transition — verify current MDR status for your supplier.

HS codes are determined by the product's nature and processing state. Key examples: Ceylon tea — 0902.10–0902.40; Cinnamon — 0906.11 (unground) / 0906.19; Black pepper — 0904.11 (whole) / 0904.12 (ground); VCO/Coconut oil — 1513.11 / 1513.19; Desiccated coconut — 0801.11; Rubber gloves — 4015.11 (surgical) / 4015.19; Solid/pneumatic tyres — 4011.xx / 4012.xx; Activated carbon — 3802.10; Natural rubber sheets — 4001.21 (RSS). Always verify the exact code with your customs broker for your specific product, as duty rates are determined at the national (HTS/TARIC) level.