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OpenImport/Export Facilitation
The Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, structured to function as the central facilitation point for investors, is also responsible for permitting Imports and Exports of projects under section 17 of the BOI law as well as providing other investor related services. These facilities are provided by the Investor Services Department of the BOI. If you are looking for information regarding investing in Sri Lanka please contact, the Investor Facilitation Center.
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Services Offered by the Investor Services Department
- Processing and Approving Import / Export Documents
- Examination of Import / Export Cargo
- Issue of Certificates of Origin for Apparel and Textile products
- Approval for Subcontracts, Transfers, Loans of raw material
- Re-Import and Re-Export of Items
- Recommendations to the Controller General of Immigration & Emigration for issue of expatriate visas (Only for the Enterprises located in the Zones)
- Indirect Export
- Web Submission
- Other Investor related approvals
As an investor, undoubtedly you will be interested in finding out the procedure pertaining to investor related activities handled by this Department. To provide the above-mentioned services, the BOI has Investor Service Centers located at;
- The Colombo Office – Level 06, West Tower, World Trade Center, Echelon Square, Colombo 01
- Export Processing Zone Katunayake
- Export Processing Zone Biyagama
- Export Processing Zone Koggala and
- Kandy Industrial Park – Pallekale
After signing the agreement with the BOI, to obtain the relevant services from one of the above centres, you should first register with the respective Investor Service Centre.
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Registration with the Investor Services Department
- BOI – agreement (Original)
- BOI – Investment approval letter (Original)
- VAT / TIN Certificate (original)
- List of items approved by the Investment Department to be imported by the enterprise
- BOI Registration Certificate (original)
- List of authorized signatories approved to sign import/export cusdecs (names, designations, NIC/Passport numbers and signatures of three personnel) – 02 originals certified by the Chairman / Managing Director of the enterprise
- A certified copy of Form 48, Form 1 sent to the Registrar of Companies
- A certified copy of Form 2A (Certificate of Incorporation)
The relevant application form 45/FO/IS/31 could be downloaded for this purpose.
After registration with the IS Department you are also required to register with the ADP Unit of Sri Lanka Customs as per the FORM FOR THE REGISTRATION OF IMPORTERS & EXPORTERS IN TERMS OF SECTION 115 OF THE CUSTOMS ORDINANCE. You are required to register as a declarant with Sri Lanka Customs if you propose to affect your own Imports/Exports without utilizing the services of a clearing agent using the URL below.
www.customs.gov.lk
Once registered with the Investor services Department, you are eligible to obtain services as per the agreement signed with the BOI.
In line with the ASYCUDAWORLD system, registration in the Investor Services Department under Import Export Monitoring System (IEMS) for the purpose of payment of BOI service charges for import/export and other services is requested.
Also you are required to open a prepaid account with the Investor Services Department of BOI, by you or your clearing agent (Declarant) for the purposes given below.
- Registration of details of your enterprise and contact persons in to IEMS system of BOI.
- Registration of user account for declarant portal.
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Application for effect the first import of a BOI enterprise
Permission to import the first consignment of capital goods and construction materials has to be granted by the Engineering Approvals & Special Projects Department in Head Office BOI and Engineering Department of the relevant Zone / Regional Office, after approval of the site and building plans.
Procedure for Clearance of Import Cargo (effect the first import of a BOI enterprise).
As an Investor who has signed an agreement under section 17 of the BOI law, you are eligible to import project related items approved by the Investment Department without customs duty. However, you are required to pay other taxes liable under the customs.
Required Documents
Air Freight.
- 02 Copies of CUSDEC (BOI copy & Delivery copy)
- Commercial Invoice
- Master Airway Bill
- House Airway Bill
- Freight Arrival Notice
Sea freight
- 02 Copies of CUSDEC (BOI copy & Delivery copy)
- Commercial Invoice / Packing List
- Bill of lading
- Delivery order
Certificate of conformity of the building, has to be obtained from the same department prior to import of raw material. ( If applicable) .
Process Steps
Step(1) | Applicant should submit a duly filled application form together with aforesaid required documentation. |
Step(2) | Application form it may be submitted with the appropriate fee to the Engineering Approvals & Special Projects Department in Head Office BOI and Engineering Department of the relevant Zone / Regional Office. |
Step(3) | Board reviews the application and the relevant documents. |
Step(4) | Clearance granted to the Applicant. |
Application for cancellation of unutilized import CUSDEC
The below mentioned format to be used for cancellation of import entries.
Guideline for Assigning VAT Category.
A company shall enjoy prescribed VAT categories such as 22/7 VAT deferment, permanent VAT deferment, VAT exempt and VAT upfront facilities during their business life cycle base on authorized or prescribed principles. VAT Unit of Investor Services Department responsible for assigning a VAT category for a company.
An investor who signed an agreement under the section 17 of the BOI law, eligible to obtain 22/7 VAT deferment facility during the project implementation period (i.e. PIP). The company needs to request the 22/7 VAT deferment facility from the Inland Revenue Department (i.e. IRD).
Then, the 22/7 VAT deferment facility approval letter from IRD need to be submitted to the VAT Unit of Investor Services Department of BOI with following documents.
Required Documents
- Letter of Guarantee for 22/7 VAT Deferment
- Application for Registration with Director General of Customs (i.e. DGC)
- Power of Attorney (to ensure the company registration and directors)
Once the 22/7 VAT deferment facility period is expired, the company needs to follow relevant step as follows.
| Scenario | Action Required |
| If PIP period exists and 22/7 VAT deferment facility is expired | Renew the 22/7 VAT deferment facility or if IRD will not extend the 22/7 facility move to VAT upfront facility |
| If PIP period and 22/7 VAT deferment facility is expired | If IRD will not extend the 22/7 facility release import shipments through Sri Lanka Customs, all taxes are payable |
| If 22/7 VAT deferment facility is expired and first export is done | Enjoy Permanent deferment facility (this facility is entitle for export oriented companies only) |
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A company who successfully completed the construction period, they will be eligible permanent VAT deferment. The following conditions need to be completed to entitle for the facility.
Conditions
- Should be an export oriented company.
- First export needs to be completed.
The following documents need to be submitted to register for permanent VAT deferment facility.
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Required Documents
- Permanent VAT Deferment Request Letter
- Letter of Guarantee for Permanent VAT Deferment
- Application for Registration with DGC
- Export Schedule for 3months
The company needs to regularly submit the Extension to Settle the VAT Liability (90 days’ extension) letters and credit vouchers to settle the import VAT liability.
The following reasons might be caused for disqualification of permanent VAT deferment facility.
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Reasons for Disqualification
- Inadequate export performance of the company (i.e. status will be decided by the IRD)
A company who successfully meets one of the following conditions, they will be eligible for VAT exempt facility.
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Conditions
- A company who is located in one of the 7 prescribed zones (i.e. 7 zones such as Katunayake, Biyagama, Koggala, Pallekele, Malwatta, Watupitiwala, Mirigama are eligible for the VAT exempt facility)
- Items which are exempted from VAT Act No.14 of 2002
- Exemption from special provisions and approvals
A company who successfully meets one of the following scenarios, they will be eligible for VAT upfront facility.
Scenarios Applicable for VAT Upfront
- A company who unable to eligible for the permanent VAT deferment facility or VAT exempt facility
- A company who registered for temporary VAT category (i.e. 2525)
- A company who are liable to pay VAT from the agreement, act or any legitimate reason
* In addition to the above three reasons, inadequate export performance of the company might be caused to entitle for VAT upfront facility with the consent of IRD.
Guidance for Clearance of Imported Used Machines
The BOI enterprise should obtain an approval from the Investment Appraisal Department of the Board of Investment for the purpose of clearance of the imported used machines.
Required Documents
- Request letter from the BOI enterprise
- Valuation report from the certified chartered valuer and it should be submitted within 14
Guidelines for Foreign Exchange Receivable Statement
As per to the Extra Ordinary Gazette Notification 2184/21 dated 16 July 2020, cited as the Import and Export (Control) Regulations no. 04 of 2020, issued with regard to import restrictions, every exporter is required to submit the following details to the Investor Services Department in each quarter of the calendar year with the bank confirmation letter. Â
- Remittance receivables as at the beginning of the quarterÂ
- Value of exports effected within the quarter
- Remittance received within the quarter
- Remittance receivables as at the end of the quarterÂ
 For further details with regards to this, please send an email to isho@boi.lk
Procedure for Effecting Exports
BOI Enterprises are permitted to export their finished products on Duty Free basis, as approved by the agreement entered into with the BOI
First Export Consignment
Enterprises should obtain the Certificate of Conformity (COC) from the Engineering Approvals Department/Regional Office or the respective Zone office before effecting the first export. The relevant application form 45/FO/IS/35 could be downloaded from the Website.
Documentation for Exports
Request for exports should be made under Cusdec declaration I and II and submitted to the relevant BOI Service Centre for approval.
| Air freight / Sea freight | 02 copies of CUSDECs (Security copy & BOI copy) 02 copies of Commercial Invoices |
- As and when Certificate of Origin for export of Apparels is issued by the BOI, an additional copy of the CUSDEC is required
Export of Textile and Apparel Products
- Quota allocation for exports to India could be obtained from the Department of Commerce prior to processing export documents.
- Certificate of Origin for export to India will be issued by the Department of Commerce
- Certificate of Origin with regard to exports to European Union (EU) countries will be issued by the relevant BOI service centre
- For all other countries Certificates of Origin should be obtained from the Chamber of Commerce
Exports other than Textiles & Apparel
- Obtain Approval from relevant government authorities, if required.
Taxes Applicable for Exports
Export Cess
Export Cess should be paid for applicable items at the rates specific to the relevant HS code, specified under the customs tariff
Temporary Export / Re-Exports
BOI also permits temporary export of the following items
- Temporary export of Machinery and Equipment for repairs and return
- Temporary export of items, for processing and return (Embroidery, Printing, ….etc)
- Re-export of excessive, rejected or defective raw materials
- Re-export of raw material & accessories when an order is transferred to another country
You should make a request to the relevant service centre for approval on submission of the re-export/temporary export application. The respective form is 45/FO/IS/05 and could be downloaded from the BOI website.
Submission of Export Documents
Export documents should be submitted electronically through ASYWORLD using the DTI (Direct Trader Input) facility.
Verification of Cargo
In addition to the Central Verification Terminal (Orugodawatta) and Air Cargo Terminal (Katunayake), BOI has several other centres for verification of import / export cargo by enterprises, located in the following Export Processing Zones.
BOI has several centres for examination of import / export cargo by enterprises, including the following Free Trade Zones.
- Katunayake Export Processing Zone
- Biyagama Export Processing Zone
- Koggala Export Processing Zone
- Kandy Industrial Park
- Mirigama Export Processing Zone
- Wathupitiwela Export Processing Zone
- Malwatta Export Processing Zone
- Seethawake Export Processing Zone
- Horana Export Processing Zone
- MAS Fabric Park
All enterprises located in the above Export Processing Zones can get their cargo verified at the respective zone in which the company is located. The company should register import or export documents after payment of verification charges at the said verification unit and a verification officer will be assigned for verification of cargo at the factory. Enterprises located close to KEPZ, BEPZ, Koggala EPZ, Kandy Industrial Park and MAS Fabric Part can also avail themselves of this facility. Only a random verification will be effected and in the event a shortage or excess of imported cargo is detected after cargo is taken to factory premises, the Enterprise should inform the respective service centre within 01 week of clearance of cargo.
Verification of Import and Export Cargo at Terminals
The BOI has two verification terminals to cater to the requirements of enterprises located outside the Export Processing Zones, namely CVT – Orugodawatta and ACTU – Katunayake
Central Verification Terminal (CVT) – Orugodawatta
Central Verification Terminal at Orugodawatta has been established to verify Sea Freight, Import / Export cargo of enterprises obtaining services from the Colombo Service Centre. This unit is open 24 hours of the day and offers a specialized service to its customers. Enterprises are requested to pay the relevant verification charges and register details of cargo at the unit for verification.
Air Cargo Terminal (ACT) – Katunayake
Air Cargo Terminal located at Katunayake has been established to verify Air Freight Import / Export cargo. This office is also open 24 hours of the day and BOI enterprises can obtain services by making online payment of service charges and registration of the cargo.
Enterprises should produce cargo for verification either to the CVT, ACT or the respective EPZ no sooner it is cleared from the port or airport. Enterprises should also ensure that cargo declared on the import and export cusecs have been physically imported and exported. Discrepancies of any nature should be identified and the respective service centres should be kept informed within 01 week of clearance or loading.
Provision of other services by the Investor Services Department
Transfer / Purchase of Material & Accessories
BOI Enterprises are permitted to transfer raw material and accessories between BOI and non-BOI enterprises coming under the perview of Sri Lanka Customs to be used for production of items for export.
For this purpose, you should obtain approval from the respective Investor Service Center using the application form 45/FO/IS/09 which can be downloaded from our website.
You are also requested to submit a CUSDEC prior to effecting the transfer.
Sub-contracts for Urgent Production Orders
Sub-contracting to meet your urgent production orders would be permitted if requested. The relevant application form 45/FO/IS/06 should be used to obtain approval for subcontracts of enterprises located in Export Processing Zones. The two enterprises (the awarder and the subcontractor) should be solely responsible for the raw material taken for subcontracting & also for the finished items which should be returned to the awarder after finalizing the subcontract.
GRNs in respect of the subcontract should be submitted by the BOI enterprises effecting the subcontract as proof of performance of the enterprise.
Sale of Finished Products in Local Market
Sale of finished products in the local market is permitted as per the conditions laid out in the agreement. Sale is subject to payment of customs duty and other levies determined by Sri Lanka Customs.
The respective application form 45/FO/IS/30 should be downloaded from the website.
Loan of Machinery & Equipment
Transfer of Machinery on loan or rental basis.
BOI Enterprises could obtain or transfer Machinery and Equipment to/from another BOI enterprise on loan basis. They could also obtain machinery and equipment from a non-BOI enterprise on rental basis. The respective application form 45/FO/IS/13 to be submitted to the relevant IS center for this purpose, could be downloaded from the website.
Sale / Purchase of Items / machinery & Equipments Imported on Duty Free Basis manufactured at the enterprise
Sale/purchase of machinery/equipment imported on duty free basis is permitted between BOI enterprises, on a case by case basis. Also items manufactured at an enterprise are permitted to be sold to another BOI enterprise as project related item/s of the purchasing party.
For this purpose you are required to submit form 45/FO/IS/44 to the relevant service Center
Removal of Machinery Equipment from the zone for Repairs/Modification & Return
Temporary removal of machinery, spare parts and other equipment imported on duty free basis for repairs and modifications from a zone is also permitted to BOI enterprises on obtaining the approval from the relevant service center. If the quantity of machines is more than 5, the company has to submit a corporate guarantee to the relevant Investor Services Center.
For this purpose you are required to submit form 45/FO/IS/43 to the relevant service Center.
Indirect Exports
BOI Enterprises which manufacture raw material, consumables, and accessories are permitted to sell their products to manufacturer of garments and other items for the purpose of manufacture and export of final product, in terms with the BOI agreement.
BOI enterprises willing to avail themselves of the VAT concessions available under the Simplified VAT Scheme (SVAT), should register for the scheme monitored by the Inland Revenue Department..
| Import Unit |  | Name | Mr. T Vinopa | position | Director | vinopat@boi.lk | Tel | + 94 112 54 30 42 | Mobile | + 94 778097865 | Fax | + 94 112 47 31 27 |  | Name | Mr. Jagath Weerasekera | position | Deputy Director | jagathw@boi.lk | Tel | +94 112342404 | Mobile | +94 714416364 | Fax | +94 112473127 |  | Name | Mr. K D S Ranatunga | position | Deputy Director | sarathr@boi.lk | Tel | +94 112339424 | Mobile | +94 714851076 | Fax | +94 112 473127 |  | Name | Mr. E A Vijithananda | position | Deputy Director | vijithanandae@boi.lk | Tel | +94 1122336876 | Mobile | +94 711301458 | Fax | +94 112430625 |  | Name | Mr. H A G D Thilakarathne | position | Deputy Director | thilakh@boi.lk | Tel | +94 1122336876 | Mobile | +94 718464195 | Fax | +94 112473127 |  | Name | Mr. Wasantha Mayadunna | position | Deputy Director | wasantham@boi.lk | Tel | +94 112441836 | Mobile | +94 715563027 | Fax | +94 112430 625 |  | Export Unit |  | Name | Mrs. Rukshani Fernando | position | Senior Deputy Director | rukshanif@boi.lk | Tel | +94 1122 33 19 12 | Mobile | +94 778 148 256 | Fax | +94 112 342 405 |  | Name | Mr. U.P.A.G. Jayalath | position | Deputy Director | jayalathg@boi.lk | Tel | +94 112 435 407 | Mobile | +94 77 6524 628 | Fax | +94 11 234 2405 |  | Name | Mr. H. P. Rathnaweera | position | Deputy Director | ratnaweerap@boi.lk | Tel | +94 112 441 878 | Mobile | +94 713 453 605 | Fax | +94 11 234 2405 |  | Name | Mrs. Kumari Abeyrathne | position | Deputy Director | abeyratnek@boi.lk | Tel | +94 112 330 116 | Mobile | +94 716 855 958 | Fax | +94 11 234 2405 |  | Name | Mrs. Lasantha Malkanthi | position | Deputy Director | lasantham@boi.lk | Tel | +94 112 337531 | Mobile | +94 0701705167 | Fax | +94 11 234 2405 |  | Verification & Services Unit |  | Name | Mr. G.D. Ratnayake | position | Senior Deputy Director | ratnayakeg@boi.lk | Tel | +94 112342 403 | Mobile | +94 773 671 073 | Fax | +94 112 323 134 |  | Name | Mr. M. A. A. Rahuman | Position | Deputy Director | abdulr@boi.lk | Tel | +94 112 053422 | Fax | +94 112 323 134 |  | Central Verification Terminal |  | Name | Mr. L.S.N. Perera | position | Deputy Director | samanp@boi.lk | Tel | +94 112 053 423 | Mobile | +94 714 416 366 | Fax | +94 112547485 |  | Air Cargo Terminal |  | Name | Mr. M. D. A. Pushpakumara | position | Deputy Director | ajithp@boi.lk | Tel | +94 112 252 155 | Fax | +94 11 2251830 |  | Katunayake Export Processing Zone | Documentation Unit |  | Name | Mr. Rohan P Wedage | position | Senior Deputy Director [Investor Services] | wedagep@boi.lk | Tel | +94 112 252 363 | Mobile | +94 769 117 717 |  | Name | Ms. W.S. Piyaseeli | position | Deputy Director | piyaseelis@boi.lk | Tel | +94 11 2252 358 |  | Name | Mr. Saman Wijegunawardena | position | Deputy Director | Tel | +94 11 22 52 358 |  | Visa & Services Unit |  | Name | Ms. Roshini Perea | position | Deputy Director | Tel | +94 11 22 55 149 |  | Verification Unit |  | Name | Mr. J K Vithanage | position | Deputy Director | Tel | +94 11 22 25 361 |  | Name | Mr. Channa Wanniarachchi | position | Deputy Director | Tel | +94 11 22 52 361 |  | Biyagama Export Processing Zone |  | Name | Mr. Bandula Jayasekara | position | Deputy Director | bandulaj@boi.lk | Tel | +94 112 252 155 | Mobile | +94 714 447 954 | Fax | +94 11 2251830 |  | Verification Unit |  | Name | K K S U Upulsiri Perera | position | Deputy Director [Verification] | upulsirip@boi.lk | Tel | +94 112465219 | Mobile | +94 71-8100867 | Fax | +94 112487002 |  | Kandy Industrial Park |  | Name | Mr. Athula Senarathne | position | Deputy Director (Investor Services) | athulas@boi.lk | Tel | +94 812 420 019 | Mobile | +94 70 6058484 | Fax | +94 81 242 3995 |  | Koggala Export Processing Zone |  | Name | Mr. M W G Punyawansa | position | Deputy Director (IS) | prasannat@boi.lk | Tel | +94 91 2283 455/+94 91 2283 425 | PABX | 229 | Fax | +94 91 2283 370 |  | Seethawaka Export Processing Zone |  | Name | Mr. K T A D R Kasthuriratne | position | Deputy Director | kasthuriratner@boi.lk | Tel | +94 36 22 31 081 | Fax | +94 36 2231 083 |  | Horana Export Processing Zone |  | Name | Mrs. Nelusha S Wickramasinghe | position | Assistant Director | nelushaw@boi.lk | Tel | +94 34 2258 077 | Fax | +94 34 2255 687 |  | Malwatta Export Processing Zone |  | Name | Mrs. M K A Malkanthi | position | Deputy Director | malkanthia@boi.lk | Tel | +94 33 2296 166 | Fax | +94 33 2288 826 |  | Wathupitiwela Export Processing Zone |  | Name | Mrs. H A A P Piyasiri | position | Assistant Director | piyasiria@boi.lk | Tel | +94 33 2283 040 | Fax | +94 33 2283 040 |  | North Western Regional Office |  | Name | Mrs. Ganga Bandara | position | Administrative Officer | bangab@boi.lk | Tel | +94 37 2277 037 | Fax | +94 37 2277 036 |  | Polgahawela Export Processing Zone |  | Name | Mr. Lakshman Weragoda | position | Administrative Officer | luxmanw@boi.lk | Tel | +94 37 244 657 |  | Mawathagama Export Processing Zone |  | Name | Mr. Tharanga Samarakoon | position | Management Assistant | tharangas@boi.lk | Tel | +94 37 2298 147 |  | Mirigama Export Processing Zone |  | Name | Mr. H.M. Gayan Asanka | position | Investor Services Officer | gayana@boi.lk | Tel | +94 33 2274 657 |
Industrial Labour Relations
Labor laws of the country are applicable to all enterprises, including BOI enterprises, and the Ministry and the Department of Labor are responsible for labor administration functions, including labor law enforcement and Industrial Relations.
The Board of Investment of Sri Lanka promotes and facilitates labor management co-operation and industrial harmony in the enterprises coming under its purview and towards that end, provides advisory services and guidance to employers and employees through its Industrial Relations Department. Officers from this department will offer advisory services and guidance to employers and employees on all aspects in the area of industrial relations. Enterprises should bring to the notice of the department any apprehended or existing disputes or problems faced by them in this area so that they could be attended to promptly with a view to speedy settlement by the appropriate authorities.
The Labor Standards and Employment Relations Manual issued by BOI lays down good Industrial Relations principles and practices and sets out the basic terms and conditions of employment to be observed by BOI enterprises operating both within and outside the Export Processing Zones of Sri Lanka.
All BOI enterprises are expected to observe the Industrial Relations principles and practices laid down in the Labor Standards and Employment Relations Manual, the provisions of the relevant labor laws and terms and conditions of employment less favorable than the basic standards set out in this Manual. They are also required to maintain a healthy and harmonious industrial labor relations climate conducive for higher efficiency and productivity.
1) Provide Advisory Services
- Distribution of Labor Standard & Employment Relations Manual.
- Issuance of clarifications / opinions on IR related matters.
- Organizing discussion / meeting / workshops for sharing the knowledge.
2) Monitor the Compliance of Labor Standards by BOI Enterprises
- Conducting routine Labor inspection.
- Verifying the project status prior to granting special facilitates. eg: Visas for expatriates, green channel facility etc.
- Sharing information with liaison authorities.
- Investigation into complaint / grievances of employees.
3) Promote Social Dialogue
- Facilitate to form and operate the Employees’ Councils
- Harmonizing and mediating the trade union activities.
- Encouraging to implement ILO Core Labor Standards.
4) Facilitate to maintain productive labor force
- Facilitate to meet the manpower requirement through job placement centers. (Job Banks)
- Organizing the program / workshop to educate the employees on positive thinking. / Industrial Safety and Health Services etc.,
- Encourage to offer special career development program for the employees (Eg. Foreign training)
- Facilitate to resolve the industrial disputes speedily.
- Establishment of Day Care Centers in EPZs for the children of EPZ employees.
The BOI is also committed to promote the application of the principles undertaking the Global Compact and related International Labor Standards by the employers in the BOI enterprises, both within and outside Export Processing Zones. Accordingly, Labor Standards and Employment Relations in the BOI enterprises will be governed, inter alia, by the following policies and principles;
- Respecting the right of the workers to form and join trade unions of their own choosing.
- Respecting the right of the workers to bargain collectively through their trade unions, or in the absence of a trade union, through other organization or body consisting of their elected representatives in the workplace.
- Affording protection to workers’ representatives and trade union officers against any act prejudicial to them, including dismissal based on their status or activities as workers’ representatives.
- Eliminating forced or compulsory labor.
- Abolishing child labor.
- Eliminating discrimination in employment, occupation and remuneration against workers on such grounds as race, sex, religion, political opinion.
- Ensuring stability in employment.
- Providing safe and hygienic working conditions
- Establishing appropriate machinery for consultation and co-operation between elected representatives of workers and employers on matters of mutual concern.
- Establishing grievance procedures for the examination of workers’ grievance.
- Offering fair wages and benefits and conditions of employment to workers.
- Eliminating harsh and inhuman treatment of workers.
- Eliminating excessive working hours and overtime work.
- Affording appropriate facilitates to workers’ representatives in the undertaking to carry out their functions promptly and efficiently.
- Formulating effective communication policy within the workplace to promote rapid dissemination and exchange of information relating to various aspects of the undertaking and to the social conditions of the workers.
- Providing advisory services on labor and industrial relations matters to employers and employees and promoting and facilitating effective prevention and settlement of Industrial Disputes.
Legal Services
- Advise investors with regard to legal aspects in granting approvals to investor companies in relation to matters such as investor company incorporation and connected documentation and company related corporate affairs, land matters impacting approvals, labor law related advice and advice on other connected applicable laws impacting BOI enterprises as well as in connection with foreign direct investments into Sri Lanka
- Preparation for execution of relevant Agreements to be entered in to under Section 17 of the BOI Act with enterprises.
- Arrange signing of Agreements with BOI enterprises under Section 17 of the BOI Act.
- Provide advice in relation to legal issues arising in connection with the investment Agreements and connected approvals.
- Examination and commenting on joint venture agreements and other applicable/relevant agreements where required.
Engineering Approvals
Role of the Engineering Approvals Department is to provide location related services for Section 17 Projects. Investors visit Engineering Approvals Department at four occasions during the implementation period of their respective projects.
Site Approval
Before signing the agreement with the BOI, investor is supposed to obtain an approval for the proposed site, from the BOI. The approval process includes a site inspection and a brief study about the environmental impacts on future project and vise versa. A letter confirming the suitability of the site is issued to the investor at the end. This is a pre-requisite for signing the Agreement, with the BOI on the project
Building Plan Approval
After signing the agreement, and before commencing construction at the site, it is required to obtain an approval for the building plans from the Engineering Approvals Department of BOI. “BOI guidelines for factory building”, explains in detail, the submission requirements and other information, the investor need to know with this regard.
Quantity Certification
Section 17 BOI projects are entitled to import construction items/materials for their projects, provided the item type is not included in the “negative list”. Engineering Approvals Department assists the investor by recommending the quantities of these items/materials, shipment by shipment basis to the Customs, after checking them against the plans and the BOQ.
Certificate of Conformity
Once the construction of the building is completed, Engineering Approvals Department visits the site for the final inspection. Certificate of Conformity (COC) is issued if the construction is completed in accordance with the approved plans and the premises is ready for the commercial operations. COC is a pre- requisite for commencing commercial operations.
Environmental Clearances
The operations of all enterprises should be carried out ensuring conformity to the provisions of the National Environmental Act and its regulations. The enforcement of provisions under the National Environmental Act is carried out by the BOI in respect of all projects established within its Export Processing Zones. A list of activities which could be accommodated in respect of each EPZ has been prepared and could be made available on request. In respect of Enterprises outside the Export Processing Zones, the BOI grants Environmental Clearance and issues Environmental Protection Licences after obtaining concurrence from the CEA where necessary.
The Environmental Impact Assessment regulations of Sri Lanka include a list of Prescribed Projects in respect of which a specified procedure has been laid down in the regulations for granting of environmental clearance. The Environment Department of BOI assists the project proponents in obtaining Environmental Clearance by providing the necessary guidance in case of Prescribed Projects. Relevant schedule is attached in the Environmental Norms.
This document is a Guide in respect of the Environmental Protection requirements and the Standards to be adhered by the Enterprises both within and outside the Export Processing Zones.
Further information on Environmental Protection requirements and advice could be obtained from the Environment Department of BOI.