—plans to implement new automated customs data system
ILLEGITIMATE trade such as under invoicing and commercial fraud are expected to be a thing of the past, as the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) moves to implement a system that spells positive prospect for the Authority.During a session on Monday at GRA, stakeholders were sensitised on the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)’s Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA). ASYCUDA is an integrated customs management system for international trade and transport operations in a modern automated environment.
Thus, GRA’s Deputy Commissioner of Customs, Excise and Trade Operations, Lancelot Wills indicated that the Authority will soon implement the system which, he said, will lend “tremendous” benefits to their customs system. “Through this we will develop a paperless environment and instead, one which is more technological and automated to suit the modern systems,” said Wills.
And, the implementation of this system will result in the clearing process, for goods and so forth at the wharves and other port of entry, being reduced. It currently takes at least five days to clear an item, when in fact if the system is applied it will take three days or even 24 hours said the Deputy Commissioner.
This is so because, it will involve less interface with Customs officials and focus more on a standardised system that targets a specific item which the automated system detects.
Advanced software applications are designed and developed for customs administrations and the trade community to comply with international standards when fulfilling import, export and transit related procedures.
Further explaining the system to the stakeholder present was UNCTAD’s representative, Terence Leonard indicated that Guyana will be the last English speaking Caribbean country to employ the system in their customs division.
He said that the system has already been adopted by almost the entire CARICOM and a number of other countries worldwide, which totals to a number well over 100. The advanced cargo information system, he said, received so much support because, it aims to modernise customs operations and help to improve revenue collection.
“It also facilitates trade efficiency and competitiveness by substantially reducing transaction time and costs, and improving security by streamlining procedures of cargo control, transit of goods and clearance of goods,” said the UNCTAD representative. Guyana has done very well to improve its trade environment, which pushed it up the ranks by 16 points in the world ranking for good trade environment.
As such, he said that when this system is implemented it will help the fight against corruption by enhancing the transparency of transactions and promoting sustainable development by cutting down on the use of paper, through the use of electronic transactions and documents. This will help to advance the trade environment more and boost its potential in the business industry, said Leonard.
