The Department of Commerce of Sri Lanka (DOC), in collaboration with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Brussels and the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC), organized an awareness session on October 21, 2026, to educate local exporters on the upcoming European Union (EU) Regulation on Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons (MOAH) set to take effect on January 1, 2027.
Held at the CCC auditorium, the event drew over 100 participants, including exporters, trade chamber representatives, and government officials, to discuss preventive measures required to protect the export of coconut-based products and spices to the EU.
Director General of Commerce Somasena Mahadiulwewa delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing that the EU market accounts for 24% of Sri Lanka’s total merchandise exports and stressing the importance of staying informed on new regulations to prevent market disruptions. CCC Secretary General and CEO Shiran Fernando echoed these sentiments, while Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Belgium, Chandana Weerasena, joined virtually to reaffirm the Embassy’s commitment to supporting regulatory compliance and maintaining Sri Lanka’s European market share.
The technical session featured presentations by Chris Downes, Policy and Law Lead Expert for the EU-funded AGRINFO programme implemented by COLEAD, and Claus-Michael Brieber, Quality Senior Expert (Food) at Food Safety First.
Experts covered crucial topics including maximum MOAH levels, monitoring MOSH and MOAH, timelines, mitigation strategies and proper sampling methods.
Additionally, Rasika Seneviratne, Vice President of the Sri Lanka Food Processors Association, outlined specific contamination sources and preventive measures for local coconut and spice industries. Charitha Yattogoda, Director of Commerce and Head of the Trade Promotion and Bilateral (West) Division, moderated the session and underscored the urgent need to enhance local laboratory testing and certification capacities to meet international standards. (Newswire)