UK’s liberalized rules of origin for SL’s garments

Upgrades to the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) enable Sri Lankan manufacturers to source up to 100% of inputs for garments (dependent on the item of clothing) from any country for final manufacture in Sri Lanka.

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The changes, due to come into effect in early 2026, will allow more garments manufactured in Sri Lanka to now enter the UK tariff-free.

Fewer processing requirements will apply resulting in the removal of the rule that two significant manufacturing processes (e.g. manufacturing of the fabric as well as the garment) must take place in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan garment manufacturers will gain unprecedented access to UK markets under liberalised trade rules taking effect in early 2026. The reforms enable manufacturers to source up to 100% of garment inputs from any country worldwide while maintaining tariff-free access to the UK.