Apparel industry urges swift policy action ahead of EU’s stricter GSP+ review

Tuesday, 22 April 2025 03:39 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

SLAEA Chairperson Rajitha Jayasuriya says Sri Lanka remains eligible till 2027, but next review will be tougher
Says EU now demands proof of actual progress—not just treaty ratifications
Pushes for timely policy reforms to meet new GSP+ criteria
Asserts Sri Lanka’s ethical manufacturing reputation is a key strength, but must be upheld
Cautions against complacency amid rising global competition
Pledges full support to Govt. on reapplication process

As Sri Lanka’s export economy continues to navigate turbulent global trade currents, the apparel industry is intensifying its focus on retaining preferential access to the EU market under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+). Although Sri Lanka remains eligible for EU’s GSP+ benefits under the current framework till 2027, the upcoming review cycle promises to be far more exacting.

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Unlike previous assessments, the European Commission has signalled a shift towards a deeper evaluation of practical progress—requiring countries to not only ratify international human rights and environmental conventions, but also demonstrate tangible implementation across legal, institutional, and governance frameworks.

Against this context, the Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association (SLAEA) raised a clear warning on timely action.

SLAEA Chairwoman Rajitha Jayasuriya said the industry’s long-standing reputation as a global leader in ethical and sustainable manufacturing must now be backed by national policies that align with the EU’s evolving criteria.

“Under the upcoming scheme, all beneficiary countries will be required to reapply, and the EU is expected to take a more rigorous approach, evaluating not just formal commitments, but also practical progress in aligning with evolving trade and governance standards,” she told the Daily FT.

Jayasuriya stressed the urgency of aligning national policies with these evolving expectations. “Sri Lanka’s reputation as one of the most ethical and sustainable sources of apparel globally continues to be a key strength and differentiator,” she noted.

However, she asserted that Sri Lanka cannot take that position for granted. “Preserving and reinforcing this reputation is essential not only for our position in the EU market, but also in the broader global sourcing landscape. The Government must act decisively to preserve our GSP+ eligibility, particularly given the mounting competition and the shifting global regulatory landscape,” she explained.

Jayasuriya confirmed that the industry has actively lobbied the Government for policy amendments that reflect the EU’s enhanced expectations.

“We urge the Government to prioritise the necessary policy measures to maintain eligibility for the EU’s GSP+ scheme and ensure continued preferential access, particularly in light of increasing competition and changing global trade dynamics,” she said.

The SLAEA has also pledged its full cooperation in supporting the Government’s reapplication process, including the provision of industry-specific data and analysis to aid negotiations.

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