SRI LANKA
ITA signatory?
I
II
Pillar Tariffs and trade defence measures applied on ICT goods |
Indicator Effective tariff rate on ICT goods (applied weighted average)
Effective tariff rate to ICT goods (applied weighted average)
4.34%
Coverage rate of zero-tariffs on ICT goods (%)
63.99%
Coverage: ICT goods
Sources
- http://wits.worldbank.org/WITS/
- https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/brief_ita_e.htm#:~:text=ITA%20participants%3A%20Australia%3B%20Bahrain%3B,%3B%20Jordan%3B%20Korea%2C%20Rep.
- https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/booksp_e/ita20years_2017_full_e.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20220120054410/https://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2016/april/tradoc_154430.pdf
- https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/inftec_e/itscheds_e.htm
SRI LANKA
N/A
Pillar Tariffs and trade defence measures applied on ICT goods |
Indicator Participation in the WTO Information Technology Agreement (ITA) and 2015 expansion (ITA II)
Lack of participation in the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) and in ITA Expansion Agreement (ITA II)
Sri Lanka is not a signatory of the 1996 World Trade Organization (WTO) Information Technology Agreement (ITA) nor the 2015 expansion (ITA II).
Coverage ICT goods
Sources
- https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/brief_ita_e.htm#:~:text=ITA%20participants%3A%20Australia%3B%20Bahrain%3B,%3B%20Jordan%3B%20Korea%2C%20Rep.
- https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/booksp_e/ita20years_2017_full_e.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20220120054410/https://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2016/april/tradoc_154430.pdf
- https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/inftec_e/itscheds_e.htm
- Show more...
SRI LANKA
Since November 2024, entry into force in January 2025
Since January 2025
Since January 2025
Pillar Public procurement of ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Exclusion from public procurement
Procurement Guidelines - 2024 on Goods, Works, and Non-Consulting Services
Public Procurement Manual 2024
Public Procurement Manual 2024
Section 3.1.1 of the 2024 Procurement Guidelines on Goods, Works, and Non-Consulting Services, provides for a preference towards domestic procurement. In fact, International Competitive Bidding (ICB) is required only when the capacity of domestic contractors, suppliers, or service providers is limited (regardless of contract value), or when the applicable agreement with a Foreign Funding Agency explicitly mandates the use of ICB procedures. The 2024 Public Procurement Manual confirms that ICB is the required procurement method only when local capacity or competition is limited, or when complex procurements are undertaken for which the necessary technology or expertise is not available domestically. Notably, while the previous regime (as outlined in the 2006 Procurement Guidelines and Manual) established a monetary threshold of LKR 300 million (approx. USD 1 million) for the use of ICB, this threshold is no longer retained under the regulations.
Coverage Horizontal
SRI LANKA
Since November 2024, entry into force in January 2025
Since January 2025
Since January 2025
Pillar Public procurement of ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Other limitations on foreign participation in public procurement
Procurement Guidelines - 2024 on Goods, Works, and Non-Consulting Services
Public Procurement Manual 2024
Public Procurement Manual 2024
Under Section 7.7.1 of the 2024 Procurement Guidelines, domestic preference may be applied in procurement processes conducted under either International Competitive Bidding (ICB) or National Competitive Bidding (NCB). This preference aims to promote national construction and manufacturing industries and may be granted when domestic contractors and/or locally manufactured or locally value-added goods and information systems compete with foreign contractors and imported goods. The Guidelines establish the overarching entitlement and conditions under which preference can be considered, but refer to the Procurement Manual for the operational criteria and procedures.
Section 7.7.1 of the Procurement Manual 2024 provides a margin of preference for domestically manufactured goods, including information systems products, where this preference is expressly stated in the bidding documents. To qualify, the goods must contain at least 30% local content in the ex-works price, consisting of local labour, raw materials, or components, as defined in Section 5.15 of the Manual. The bidder must be registered under the Companies Act No. 7 of 2007 and must submit an affidavit together with certified audited financial statements demonstrating the required level of local value addition. For contracts funded by the Government of Sri Lanka, the applicable margin of preference is 20%. For contracts financed by foreign funding agencies, the applicable margin is determined by the relevant loan or credit agreement. The preference is applied solely for bid evaluation purposes by adding the relevant percentage to the evaluated price of non-qualifying bids, and it does not affect the final contract price. The Manual does not establish an equivalent margin of preference for services generally.
Section 7.7.1 of the Procurement Manual 2024 provides a margin of preference for domestically manufactured goods, including information systems products, where this preference is expressly stated in the bidding documents. To qualify, the goods must contain at least 30% local content in the ex-works price, consisting of local labour, raw materials, or components, as defined in Section 5.15 of the Manual. The bidder must be registered under the Companies Act No. 7 of 2007 and must submit an affidavit together with certified audited financial statements demonstrating the required level of local value addition. For contracts funded by the Government of Sri Lanka, the applicable margin of preference is 20%. For contracts financed by foreign funding agencies, the applicable margin is determined by the relevant loan or credit agreement. The preference is applied solely for bid evaluation purposes by adding the relevant percentage to the evaluated price of non-qualifying bids, and it does not affect the final contract price. The Manual does not establish an equivalent margin of preference for services generally.
Coverage Horizontal
SRI LANKA
Reported in 2017, last reported in 2025
Pillar Public procurement of ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Other limitations on foreign participation in public procurement
Lack of transparency in tenders
There is no public procurement law in Sri Lanka, and all government procurement is conducted in accordance with established guidelines and manuals. It is reported that the absence of a dedicated procurement law creates ambiguity within the legal framework and has contributed to elevated levels of political involvement in the selection of procurement awardees, inadequate contract management, limited transparency, and insufficient oversight of procurement processes and outcomes.
Foreign stakeholders have also noted that opaque procurement practices and the uneven enforcement of anti-corruption measures may distort competition in public tenders, creating disadvantages for firms committed to high compliance standards.
Foreign stakeholders have also noted that opaque procurement practices and the uneven enforcement of anti-corruption measures may distort competition in public tenders, creating disadvantages for firms committed to high compliance standards.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20260226075448/https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-investment-climate-statements/sri-lanka
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250529230754/https://www.state.gov/reports/2024-investment-climate-statements/srilanka/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250207180814/https://www.state.gov/reports/2017-investment-climate-statements/sri-lanka/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250606021138/https://www.sundaytimes.lk/240728/news/new-procurement-guidelines-coming-but-imf-prescribed-law-hit-by-delays-565502.html
- Show more...
SRI LANKA
N/A
Pillar Public procurement of ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Signatory of the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) with coverage of the most relevant services sectors (CPC 752, 754, 84)
Lack of participation in the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA)
Sri Lanka is not a party to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA); however, it has held observer status since April 2003.
Coverage Horizontal
SRI LANKA
Since July 2017
Since February 2021
Since February 2021
Pillar Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in sectors relevant to digital trade |
Indicator Maximum foreign equity share
Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017
Foreign Exchange (Classes of Capital Transactions Undertaken in Sri Lanka by a Person Resident Outside Sri Lanka) Regulations No. 2 of 2021
Foreign Exchange (Classes of Capital Transactions Undertaken in Sri Lanka by a Person Resident Outside Sri Lanka) Regulations No. 2 of 2021
Foreign investment in Sri Lanka is governed by the Foreign Exchange Act. The Foreign Exchange Regulations No. 2 of 2021, issued under this Act, specify the types of investments that foreigners may undertake. There are no limitations on foreign ownership in sectors relevant to digital trade. Section A.8 of Part I of the Schedule to the Regulations restricts foreign ownership in mass communications to 40%; however, the term "mass communications" is not defined.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250529230811/https://www.parliament.lk/uploads/acts/gbills/english/6043.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241210211001/https://dfe.lk/web/images/rdevelopment/d8cca82aaa30bb8155cf56a4a8afbffb-2213-35-E.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20260226075448/https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-investment-climate-statements/sri-lanka
- https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news_docs/s475_e.pdf
- Show more...
SRI LANKA
Since November 2003, last amended in March 2022
Pillar Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) |
Indicator Practical or legal restrictions related to the application process for patents
Intellectual Property Act, No. 36 of 2003
Pursuant to Section 71 of the Intellectual Property Act, where an applicant for the grant of a patent has neither an ordinary residence nor a principal place of business within Sri Lanka, such applicant must be represented by an agent domiciled in Sri Lanka. The name and address of the agent must be included in the application, which shall also be accompanied by a power of attorney duly executed in favour of the agent by the applicant.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- http://web.archive.org/web/20250530011337/https://www.nipo.gov.lk/web/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=37&Itemid=156&lang=en
- https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/21451
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250530214943/https://pctlegal.wipo.int/eGuide/view-doc.xhtml?doc-code=LK&doc-lang=en#GENERAL%20INFO
- Show more...
TAIWAN
N/A
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Ratification of the UN Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts
Lack of signature of the UN Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts
Taiwan has not signed the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts.
Coverage Horizontal
TAIWAN
N/A
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Commerce
Lack of adoption of UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Commerce
Taiwan has not adopted national legislation based on or influenced by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Electronic Commerce.
Coverage Horizontal
TAIWAN
N/A
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Signatures
Lack of adoption of UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Signatures
Taiwan has not adopted national legislation based on or influenced by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Electronic Signatures.
Coverage Horizontal
TAIWAN
Since February 1993, last amended in December 2019
Since July 1997, last amended in November 2023
Since June 2022, last amended in January 2024
Since March 1994, last amended in October 2023
Last amended in June 2025
Since July 1997, last amended in November 2023
Since June 2022, last amended in January 2024
Since March 1994, last amended in October 2023
Last amended in June 2025
Pillar Quantitative trade restrictions for ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Export restrictions on ICT goods or online services
Foreign Trade Act (貿易法)
Regulations Governing Export of Commodities (貨品輸出管理辦法)
Regulation Governing Types of Strategic High-Tech Commodities, Specific Strategic High-Tech Commodities and Exportation to Restricted Regions (戰略性高科技貨品種類 特定戰略性高科技貨品種類及 輸出管制地區)
Regulations Governing Export and Import Of Strategic High-tech Commodities (戰略性高科技貨品輸出入管理辦法)
Strategic High‑Tech Commodities (SHTC) Entity List
Regulations Governing Export of Commodities (貨品輸出管理辦法)
Regulation Governing Types of Strategic High-Tech Commodities, Specific Strategic High-Tech Commodities and Exportation to Restricted Regions (戰略性高科技貨品種類 特定戰略性高科技貨品種類及 輸出管制地區)
Regulations Governing Export and Import Of Strategic High-tech Commodities (戰略性高科技貨品輸出入管理辦法)
Strategic High‑Tech Commodities (SHTC) Entity List
Under Art. 13 of the Foreign Trade Act, and Art. 5 of the Regulations Governing Export of Commodities, the export of certain high-tech commodities is prohibited unless authorised by the competent authority. As set out in Section I of the "Regulation Governing Types of Strategic High-Tech Commodities, Specific Strategic High-Tech Commodities and Exportation to Restricted Regions", the authorisation requirement applies to strategic high-tech goods, including equipment for the manufacturing of semiconductor devices or materials; telecommunications systems, equipment, components and accessories; among others. The procedures and documentation for such exports are further detailed in Chapter 3 of the Regulations Governing Export and Import of Strategic High-Tech Commodities.
According to Section III of the "Regulations Governing Types of Strategic High-Tech Commodities, Specific Strategic High-Tech Commodities, and Exportation to Restricted Regions", and in line with Art. 5 of the Regulations Governing Export of Commodities, exports to Iran, Iraq, North Korea, China, Sudan, and Syria are restricted. Examples of export prohibitions include:
- Iran: Controlled goods include electronic devices, mineral ores, semiconductors, integrated circuits, resistors, chips, photovoltaic components, battery cells, machinery parts, pumps, furnaces, and automobile motors.
- Russia and Belarus: Controlled goods include semiconductors, circuits, resistors, chips, machinery components, pumps, furnaces, and automobile motors.
- China: Export controls cover 12 categories of semiconductor manufacturing equipment, such as chemical mechanical polishers, photoresist strippers and developers, rapid thermal processors, deposition apparatuses, cleaning equipment, dryers, electron microscopes, etchers, ion implanters, photoresist coaters, and lithography equipment.
Taiwan also maintains a Strategic High‑Tech Commodities (SHTC) Entity List. Taiwanese firms are required to obtain approval from the International Trade Administration (ITA) prior to exporting any strategic tech goods to entities included on the list. A total of 10,844 organisations and individuals have been designated. In June 2025, Taiwan added a further 601 entities, among them the Chinese companies Huawei Technologies Co. and Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC), as well as additional entities based in countries such as Pakistan, Iran, Myanmar, and China.
According to Section III of the "Regulations Governing Types of Strategic High-Tech Commodities, Specific Strategic High-Tech Commodities, and Exportation to Restricted Regions", and in line with Art. 5 of the Regulations Governing Export of Commodities, exports to Iran, Iraq, North Korea, China, Sudan, and Syria are restricted. Examples of export prohibitions include:
- Iran: Controlled goods include electronic devices, mineral ores, semiconductors, integrated circuits, resistors, chips, photovoltaic components, battery cells, machinery parts, pumps, furnaces, and automobile motors.
- Russia and Belarus: Controlled goods include semiconductors, circuits, resistors, chips, machinery components, pumps, furnaces, and automobile motors.
- China: Export controls cover 12 categories of semiconductor manufacturing equipment, such as chemical mechanical polishers, photoresist strippers and developers, rapid thermal processors, deposition apparatuses, cleaning equipment, dryers, electron microscopes, etchers, ion implanters, photoresist coaters, and lithography equipment.
Taiwan also maintains a Strategic High‑Tech Commodities (SHTC) Entity List. Taiwanese firms are required to obtain approval from the International Trade Administration (ITA) prior to exporting any strategic tech goods to entities included on the list. A total of 10,844 organisations and individuals have been designated. In June 2025, Taiwan added a further 601 entities, among them the Chinese companies Huawei Technologies Co. and Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC), as well as additional entities based in countries such as Pakistan, Iran, Myanmar, and China.
Coverage Strategic high-tech goods
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250110182712/https://law.moj.gov.tw/ENG/LawClass/LawAll.aspx?pcode=J0090004
- https://law.moj.gov.tw/ENG/LawClass/LawAll.aspx?pcode=J0090008
- https://www.trade.gov.tw/english/Pages/Detail.aspx?nodeID=298&pid=547919&dl_DateRange=all&txt_SD=&txt_ED=&txt_Keyword=&pageindex=1&history=
- https://www.trade.gov.tw/Files/PageFile/687872/687872wucny20241024101140.pdf
- https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/all-articles/220-eco-country-pages/1155-taiwan-export-control-information?ref=interconnected.blog
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250110183102/https://law.moj.gov.tw/ENG/LawClass/LawAll.aspx?pcode=J0090013
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250110183102/https://law.moj.gov.tw/ENG/LawClass/LawAll.aspx?pcode=J0090013
- https://www.trade.gov.tw/english/Pages/List.aspx?nodeID=298
- https://web.archive.org/web/20260331204944/https://www.ocac.gov.tw/OCAC/Eng/Pages/Detail.aspx?nodeid=329&pid=76572910
- Show more...
TAIWAN
Last reported in 2025
Pillar Technical standards applied to ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Self-certification for product safety
Supplier Declaration of Conformity allowed for foreign businesses
Self-certification is allowed in the country for radio transmission, electromagnetic interference (EMI) or electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). Taiwan allows foreign companies to self-certify that they comply with these standards, through a Supplier Declaration of Conformity (SDoC). The supplier or manufacturer of the equipment declares the equipment meets the technical and administrative requirements on the basis of test reports by a testing laboratory recognized by the regulator. No registration of the equipment with the regulator is required.
Coverage Electronic products
TAIWAN
Since April 1995, last amended in August 2024
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Threshold for ‘De Minimis’ rule
Regulations Governing Customs Clearance Procedures for Air Express Consignments (空運快遞貨物通關辦法)
The de minimis threshold, which is the minimum value of goods below which customs authorities do not impose duties, is set at USD 60. This level is below the USD 200 threshold recommended by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). Art. 11 of the "Regulations Governing Customs Clearance Procedures for Air Express Consignments" specifies that imported express consignments shall be classified according to their nature and value, with each category processed under the corresponding procedures. Low‑value, duty‑free import consignments are defined as those with a customs value not exceeding TWD 2,000 (approx. USD 60)
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20260331225204/https://law.moj.gov.tw/ENG/LawClass/LawAll.aspx?pcode=G0350064
- https://web.archive.org/web/20260331230414/https://global-express.org/index.php?id=271&act=101&profile_id=-1&countries%5B%5D=-2&search_terms=&question-filter=&qid_34=1&qid_34_optid=1&qid_35=1&qid_36=1...
TAIWAN
Since July 2024
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Local presence requirements for digital services providers
Fraud Crime Hazard Prevention Act (詐欺犯罪危害防制條例)
According to Art. 29 of the Fraud Crime Hazard Prevention Act of Taiwan, online advertising platform operators that provide services within Taiwan but do not maintain a physical presence, residence, or established branch in the territory are legally required to appoint a legal representative located in Taiwan. This representative must be either a Taiwanese national, a legally registered corporation, or a non-corporate entity with a representative or manager domiciled in Taiwan. The operator must report the full contact details of the appointed representative to the competent authority responsible for industries related to the digital economy. The representative must be authorised to receive legal documents, assist in compliance with fraud prevention regulations, and carry out other statutory duties.
Under Art. 2.5, the term "online advertising platform operators" refers to final-stage platform operators that provide services for posting or disseminating advertisements, collect remuneration, and engage with citizens through online platforms or spaces. It is reported that this provision applies to both domestic and foreign internet platforms, including those related to social media, search engines, news, education or knowledge, dating, video, or similar services, provided they present, post, or deliver advertisements within Taiwan in quantities that meet the thresholds set by the Ministry of Digital Affairs (MoDA). At present, MoDA has designated Google, YouTube, Line, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok as regulated internet platforms. The companies operating these platforms are therefore required to comply with the legal representative appointment requirement in Taiwan.
It is reported that, invoking Art. 42, Taiwan’s Ministry of the Interior imposed a one‑year prohibition on Xiaohongshu (Rednote), a Chinese social media platform, on 4 December 2025. According to the government, the platform’s lack of cooperation, including its refusal to establish a local representative office, left the authorities with no viable option other than comprehensive blocking.
Under Art. 2.5, the term "online advertising platform operators" refers to final-stage platform operators that provide services for posting or disseminating advertisements, collect remuneration, and engage with citizens through online platforms or spaces. It is reported that this provision applies to both domestic and foreign internet platforms, including those related to social media, search engines, news, education or knowledge, dating, video, or similar services, provided they present, post, or deliver advertisements within Taiwan in quantities that meet the thresholds set by the Ministry of Digital Affairs (MoDA). At present, MoDA has designated Google, YouTube, Line, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok as regulated internet platforms. The companies operating these platforms are therefore required to comply with the legal representative appointment requirement in Taiwan.
It is reported that, invoking Art. 42, Taiwan’s Ministry of the Interior imposed a one‑year prohibition on Xiaohongshu (Rednote), a Chinese social media platform, on 4 December 2025. According to the government, the platform’s lack of cooperation, including its refusal to establish a local representative office, left the authorities with no viable option other than comprehensive blocking.
Coverage Online advertising platform operators
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250715010639/https://law.moj.gov.tw/ENG/LawClass/LawAll.aspx?pcode=D0080226
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250715010612/https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=ab5fdb7d-e2b7-444c-a108-f34d6a3c8f47
- https://web.archive.org/web/20260403194741/https://verfassungsblog.de/taiwans-xiaohongshu-ban-and-freedom-of-expression/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20260403200618/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2dz0l4j9zeo
- Show more...
