COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, August 21, 2025 (ePRESS) – The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the UK Government’s decision to liberalise rules of origin under its Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which will come into effect in early 2026.
The move reflects the UK’s commitment to greater trade openness and will give Sri Lankan exporters improved access to one of their key markets.
Under the new rules, Sri Lankan apparel manufacturers will be able to source up to 100 percent of their inputs from any country while still enjoying tariff-free access to the UK. This change is expected to give a timely boost to the apparel industry, which is Sri Lanka’s largest export sector.
The reforms also expand regional cumulation across 18 Asian countries, helping strengthen supply chains and open opportunities for other value-added exports.
Ceylon Chamber Chairperson Krishan Balendra said: “We deeply appreciate the efforts of the UK Government, the British High Commission in Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan Government, and the Joint Apparel Association Forum in advancing this initiative. The liberalised rules of origin will provide a strong impetus to Sri Lanka’s apparel industry and help strengthen our position as a trusted and competitive partner in global supply chains.”
The Chamber urged exporters to familiarise themselves with the new arrangements and prepare to take full advantage. It also pledged to work closely with the UK High Commission and the Sri Lankan Government to spread awareness and support the private sector during the transition.
