Sri Lanka's long awaiting electronic clearance system is now partially functional allowing imports to be cleared online.

Despite the time and cost savings however only around 300 companies, out of the nearly 10,000 companies involved in importing and exporting, have migrated online.

To get more people to log onto the electronic clearance system, eservices is offering to rebate a portion of its charges, based on the volume of business.

The company has already cut a deal with the local apparel industry – the largest export trade – to use its paperless solution.

"We have already signed an MOU with the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), to give them a rebate on the volumes they offer," said Samarakkody.

Under the agreement members of JAAF pay only Rs 200 and per customs declaration for their imports, while others pay around Rs 250.

But this is only if JAAF members channel a total of 9,000 clearances, per month, through the online system.

"We are open to more agreements with trade groups like this," says Samarakkody.

eServices says it will get export clearances online by mid March, initially for selected non-BOI companies.

-LBO Newsdesk: LBOEmail@vanguardlanka.com