CAA warns businesses to keep invoices proving source of goods

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has warned businesses in Sri Lanka to keep proper invoices or documents proving the source of goods held for sale, storage or distribution.

The CAA said the requirement applies to manufacturers, warehouse owners, suppliers, distributors and all traders under Direction No. 83 issued by the Authority, which has been in effect since April 27, 2022.

According to the Authority, an invoice should include the name and address of the supplier, date of purchase, purchase price, type and quantity of goods, and the batch number where applicable.

The CAA said businesses face a serious risk when they possess goods but are unable to identify where the products were purchased.

This is particularly important for imported goods, as keeping such products without proper invoices can make it difficult to trace their supply route.

In such cases, CAA officers may have to trace the supply chain from the relevant trader through the wholesale market and up to the importer.

The Authority said invoices and other supporting documents will be checked during market inspections and raids.

If the requirements are violated, the goods concerned may be taken into custody as case productions, produced before court and legal action may be taken against those responsible.

The CAA said the main purpose of enforcing these requirements is to protect fair and responsible businesses that maintain proper records and operate according to the law.

The measures are also intended to prevent goods from entering the market through undocumented, untraceable or illegal supply channels.