Sri Lanka Customs will stop accepting manual document submissions for Full Container Load (FCL) imports under office code CBHQ1 from 19 October, the department said in a notice.
The move is part of the shift to paperless processing of Customs Declarations (CusDecs). The department said paperless processing for FCL imports began on 1 October.
Importers must obtain a digital signature and complete the necessary registration by 19 October to use the service. Customs said about 2,000 importers have already obtained digital signatures, while a significant number have yet to finish registration.
Importers who already hold a digital signature should use the paperless system now and should not submit documents manually, even before the deadline, Customs said.
The change affects importers and clearing agents handling container cargo, who will need to be registered to avoid delays when clearing goods.
Customs urged the remaining importers to complete their digital signature registration before 19 October.
