Guyana will be joining 32 other countries in upgrading the connectivity of the World’s Postal Service Customs Declaration System (CDS) as the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) will be adding this to the services it offers.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Deputy Postmaster General and Head of Operations, Anastasia Jessemy-Lynch, stated that the CDS is an initiative being undertaken at the level of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), of which Guyana is a member.

As Guyana progresses in this era of technology, the CDS will benefit the customers of the GPOC tremendously. Lynch pointed out, “GPOC has seen value in implementing this system as it supports and promotes efficiency within the Post. It allows for the expedient processing of mail at postal administrations globally and lends to enhance networking.”
The UPU’s Postal Technology Centre created the CDS, which helps to streamline Customs clearance by allowing participating Post Offices and Customs to exchange advance data and calculate required duties and taxes.

In an attempt to boost the GPOC’s capacity to implement the CDS, a four-day training exercise was held, last week, at the post office, by the United States Postal Service through the Universal Post Union.

The training targeted members of the Information Technology and Operational Management team of the GPOC and covered configuration and functionality within the Post Office. Also, during the training, practical exercises were done.

Lynch explained that, as part of the UPU regulations, post offices are required to share information about the sender, contents and value of the mail with the Customs authorities.
She pointed out, “This information is traditionally sent with packages using a paper form. With the CDS, it can now be done electronically. This, in turn, facilitates the reduction of time mail is kept at the post office within customs. The CDS is a tool for promoting effective and expedient communication within the Post Office.”

The Deputy also highlighted that the improved processing measures will reduce customer waiting time at the Post Office to send and receive mails.

“Customers would be able to complete mail forms electronically for Parcels, Express Mail Service and Registered items via GPOC’s website and will be issued a code. Customers can then visit a GPOC’s outlet and provide the code to the staff. GPOC will verify that the form is filled correctly and signed by customer. The mail will be examined if necessary and then prepared for dispatch.”

The utilization of CDS with the United States Postal Service is currently being tested. However, CDS will be fully implemented and active from January 2020 on GPOC’s website.