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Sri Lankan Garment Manufacturers Gain Tariff Free Access To UK

• By  Textile Excellence
• January 17, 2026

Sri Lankan garment manufacturers have secured tariff-free access to the United Kingdom from January 1, 2026. Following the reforms to the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), the British High Commission in Colombo announced it on January 9.

Sri Lankan garment manufacturers have secured tariff-free access to the United Kingdom from January 1, 2026. Following the reforms to the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), the British High Commission in Colombo announced it on January 9.

Under the new rules, Sri Lankan apparel exporters can source up to 100% of raw materials globally while retaining zero-tariff entry to the UK. The requirement for two major manufacturing processes within Sri Lanka has also been removed. The reforms are expected to significantly boost apparel exports to Sri Lanka’s second-largest overseas market, valued at around US$ 675 million annually. 

Sri Lankan garment manufacturers have secured tariff-free access to the United Kingdom from January 1, 2026. Following the reforms to the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), the British High Commission in Colombo announced it on January 9.