System to improve Customs operations will soon come on stream

Government is working towards a March deadline for the implementation of a system which will improve security, trade efficiency and “eliminate fraud” at the Customs & Excise Division.

This, as the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA), a computerised management system which covers most foreign trade procedures, was officially launched on Thursday.

ASYCUDA will allow the Customs Division, trade operators and other government agencies to handle most of their transactions — from Customs declarations to cargo manifests, transit documents, as well as certifications, licences and authorisations given by other government agencies, via the Internet.

The objective of the project is to increase the capacity of the Customs & Excise Department through the introduction of a modern computerised system.

This will control efficiency, enhance government’s revenue collection, facilitate international trade and support the decision-making process relating to economic and fiscal policies.

ASYCUDA World Implementation Advisor for the United Nations Conference on Trade Development (UNCTAD), Terrence Leonard, said a team of experts will be journeying to Barbuda next month to conduct an assessment of the sister isle’s readiness.

The team will also follow up with similar activities on the mainland in March.

“You should expect from the end of February early March to see a greater presence of UNCTAD in terms of activities and of course it also depends on the support of the local Customs Department,” Leonard said during a ceremony yesterday marking the official launch of the project.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne said the system would also eliminate fraud at the department.

“Customs unfortunately is one of the areas that has been exploited over the years in terms of government’s revenues and we are aware and we are doing something about plugging the loopholes,” Browne said.

Browne also warned, “Those who are operating at the airport, we know many of you are beating the system, you are robbing the revenues and we are asking you to stop.”

The European Union is providing an EC $2.2 million grant for Antigua & Barbuda to implement ASYCUDA.