Siam Chaiya Trade
The Sri Lanka–Thailand Free Trade Agreement, explained properly.
SLTFTA is a real, useful framework — but it's often misunderstood as automatic duty-free access. It isn't. Here's what it actually means for goods moving between our two countries.
What SLTFTA Is
A bilateral tariff framework
- • A trade agreement between Sri Lanka and Thailand covering tariff treatment on qualifying goods
- • Tariff reductions that phase down over scheduled years for many product lines
- • A framework built on Harmonized System (HS) tariff classification
- • Preferential treatment tied to verified rules of origin, not country of shipment
What SLTFTA Isn't
Not a blanket exemption
- • Not automatic duty-free access for anything made in or shipped from Thailand
- • Not a guarantee — origin, classification and documentation must each be verified
- • Not an immediate zero rate — many tariff lines phase down gradually, not overnight
- • Not a substitute for a valid Certificate of Origin at the time of import
How We Assess It
A verification process, not an assumption.
Classify
We determine the correct HS classification based on composition, use and presentation.
Verify Origin
We assess whether the product satisfies the applicable rule of origin for that tariff line.
Certify
We confirm a valid Certificate of Origin exists, issued by the appropriate authority.
Assess
Only then do we treat a preferential rate as a real cost input — subject to Sri Lanka Customs' actual assessment.
Why we're upfront about this
We'd rather a retailer or manufacturer understand the real cost of importing a product than be surprised by a Customs assessment later. Any tariff saving we mention — to a supplier, retailer or on this website — is an estimate until Sri Lanka Customs makes its own, final determination.