Sri Lanka, July 28 -- The Joint Appeal Association Forum (JAAF) urged authorities that Sri Lanka must move swiftly to meet tougher European Union (EU) requirements and reapply for the revised GSP+ trade concession scheme in 2027 if it is to safeguard the future of its apparel exports, according to a recent industry analysis.

The EU Council adopted a revised GSP regulation on May 22, 2026, introducing stricter conditions linking trade preferences to compliance with human rights, labour standards, environmental protection and good governance. The new framework will come into effect from January 1, 2027. Although Sri Lanka's current GSP+ preferences remain valid until the end of 2028, the country must submit a fresh application together wit...