Announcement

Change in Operational days of Department of Commerce

Summary

Due to the prevailing situation, the Department of Commerce will be compelled to reduce its operating hours as follows, from Monday, April 06, 2020: Monday 9.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. Wednesday 9.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. Friday 9.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. It will continue issuance of COOs and TRQCs during these new hours.

Updated on : 01-04-2020

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL EXPORTERS

 

 

Change in Operational days of Department of Commerce

 

In order to facilitate exports, the Department of Commerce (DOC) has continued the issuance of Certificates of Origin (COO) and Tariff Rate Quota Certificates (TRQCs) throughout the curfew period, since March 20, 2020.  Because of the prevailing situation, the DOC has been operating with a skeleton staff on every working day from 9.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m.

 

However, in view of the stringent curfew restrictions now in place, and in light of the growing concerns over public health due to COVID-19, the DOC is facing numerous logistical difficulties in ensuring the availability of staff during the above hours on all working days.  Therefore, the Department regrets to inform you that it will be compelled to reduce its operating hours as follows from Monday, April 6, 2020:

 

Monday                       9.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m.

Wednesday                 9.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m.

Friday                          9.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m.

 

Please note that the DOC services will continue to be limited to the issuance of COOs and TRQCs for urgent shipments till further notice.

 

Please ensure that your company representatives/forwarding agents, etc., obtain the necessary police permits in advance to ensure that they can obtain our services during the above operating hours.

 

For any additional information, please call any of the following officers.

 

Ms. Ruwanthi, DD/Commerce           -           0777558512

Ms. Thavishya, AD/Commerce           -           0719719578

Mr. Kapila, AD/Commerce     -           0703248090

Ms. Heshani, AD/Commerce -           0714996549

 

Thank you very much for your cooperation.

 

Department of Commerce

Colombo

 

01.04.2020