Overview There are no translations available. The Department of Import and Export Control was established in 1969 by the Import and Export (Control) Act No. 01 of 1969 with the objective of control of the Importation and Exportation of the country. This Department plays a major role in the economy of the country as the Department is responsible for almost all the imports and exports were being subjected to the license requirement. There were lot of restrictions for imports and exports and therefore, the volume of work performed by the Department was very heavy before 1977. In terms of open Economic Policy commenced in the year 1977, most of restrictions for imports and exports were liberalized. Since then, license requirement for import / export goods was removed in respect of items other than Drugs, Chemicals, Telecommunication Equipments, firearms etc. These restrictions were imposed with a view to avoid undesirable imports and exports that can be caused bad impacts on public health, Environment, Economy and Security of the country. The present role of the Department has shifted from the view of controlling mechanism to a regulatory approach and with a future perspective of guardian of the country with respect to international trade, while promoting and facilitating of country's international trade integration. The Government’s development policy statement “Mahinda Chinthana the 10-year horizon development program” spells out its intention that the need of expanding and improving International Trade in line with safeguarding public and the environment of the country. Accordingly, the Department of Import and Export Control has been working in more dynamic manner to play its role as the regulator, facilitator and the standards setter in the external trade of Sri Lanka. Therefore the department focuses mainly on the formulation and implementation of regulatory policies on external trade for the benefit of Sri Lankan economy and the people. Vision "To safeguard the community and environment for better future’’ Mission "Implementation of import and export policy decisions taken by the government, from time to time in relation to security, economy, public health and environment etc. of the country in accordance with Import Export Control act.’’ Objectives To Implement the government policy on import and export trade To avoid importation of goods undesirable for public life To protect local products and industries To protect national identity of export items To maintain the standards of imported goods To avoid misuse of foreign exchange in importation of goods Functions Issuance of licenses for under Import & Export Control items. Collections of license fees. Publishing regulations to implement government policy on Import & Exports. Advice & assist the director General of Customs & the Controller of Exchange on matters pertaining to Import & export Control Regulations. Establish standards for imported