NCE launches SLAB-endorsed Certificate of Ethical Trading

NCE launches SLAB-endorsed Certificate of Ethical Trading 

The National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) announced the launch of its Sri Lanka Accreditation Board (SLAB) - endorsed Certificate of Ethical Trading (CET) at its 40th Anniversary special celebration and Annual General Meeting.

The CET, first introduced by the NCE in 2019, was designed to help exporters respond to growing international expectations around ethical sourcing, sustainability, labour practices, and environmental responsibility. With the new SLAB endorsement, the CET moves into a new phase, offering national accreditation and increased international recognition for Sri Lankan exporters.

President of the NCE, Indhra Kaushal Rajapaksa, stated that the launch of the SLAB - endorsed CET reflects the Chamber’s forward-looking vision to position Sri Lanka as a trusted and responsible sourcing destination in global trade. 

“In today’s highly competitive and conscious global marketplace, ethical compliance is no longer optional, it is a critical requirement. This certification empowers our exporters to demonstrate their commitment to transparency, sustainability, and responsible business practices, thereby enhancing their credibility and competitiveness internationally,” he said.

Presenting the certification launch, the CEO and Secretary General of the NCE, S. Marikar noted that this ambitious initiative stemmed from a practical challenge faced by Sri Lankan exporters in overseas markets: despite competitive pricing, solid packaging and other product certifications, international buyers were increasingly looking at how businesses operate, their governance, labour practices, and environmental responsibility.

Following this, the NCE introduced the CET in 2019 based on internationally accepted guidelines, offering it initially exclusively to member companies that met the required standards. It covered good governance, sustainability, ethical labor practices, and environmental protection.

“I am happy to say that we are the only private sector chamber that initiated a certification programme of this nature, focusing on ethical trading and good governance. The response from exporters exceeded expectations,” Marikar stressed.

The initiative is supported through partnerships with Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT) and Sampath Bank. The launch of the SLAB-endorsed CET at the NCE’s 40th anniversary AGM highlights the Chamber’s continuation of efforts to support Sri Lankan exporters and strengthen the country’s position in global markets.