Boost for Sri Lankan garment sector as UK launches new trade measures

Unveils reforms to simplify imports from developing countries under upgraded Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS)

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• Liberalised rules of origin will now allow for more garments manufactured in Sri Lanka to enter the UK tariff-free even with regionally sourced materials

• New rules of origin liberalisation for garments expected by early 2026

• JAAF welcomes changes; calls it a game-changer boosting competitiveness and protects 1 m livelihoods

• Further measures will make it easier for countries like Sri Lanka to trade, supporting jobs and growth

• UK businesses and consumers to benefit from more competitively priced products

THE UK Government on Thursday unveiled a package of reforms to simplify imports from developing countries like Sri Lanka.

Upgrades to the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) make it easier for businesses to trade with the UK and help lower prices on the UK high street.

The changes, announced as part of the UK's wider Trade for Development offer, aim to support economic growth in partner countries including Sri Lanka while helping UK businesses and consumers access high-quality, affordable goods. This announcement builds on the UK's Trade Strategy published last month.

New measures include simplifying rules of origin enabling more goods from countries such as Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and the Philippines can enter the UK tariff free — even when using components from across Asia and Africa.