First off, the rifle is no longer in it's original factory configuration. The Sporter Lightweight 7.62x39 had an A2 upper and a 16" barrel. This was the only configuration in which Colt offered the 7.62x39 Sporters. This model, the 6830, was offered for about 3 years, from 1993-1995/96. Yes, there were some post-ban examples produced. I have 2 of these fine weapons, both pre-bans.
The flat top 16" and 20" 7.62x39 chambered uppers were offered only as "upper conversion kits".
If you have already called Colt and they said 1995, sorry, but that is most likely the production date. If it makes you feel better, you can try again, but be prepared for this same answer. I've called Colt about both of mine and was given the respective dates of manufacture, 1993 and 1994, confirming their pre-ban status.
Given the information provided, I have to disagree with Meat-Hook. It sounds like you have a POST-BAN. Hopefully your friend didn't pay a pre-ban price. Otherwise, he may want to catch up to the seller before they head to Canada.
If your friend plans on keeping this gun and upper, I would suggest he contact someone like Kurt's Kustom Firearms and see about having a post-ban legal USGI A2 lookalike muzzle brake made and permanently installed on the barrel.
Good luck.