Govt Launches Custom Automation Modernisation

Government Launches Custom Automation Modernisation Program

The Minister for Finance and Treasury, Hon. Gordon Darcy Lilo has invited the business community - traders, importers, exporters to a briefing, at the King Solomon Hotel 10:00am Friday 3, on the government's launching of the Solomon Islands Customs Automation Modernization Program.

The Government is set to launch a new program that aims to reduce the customs clearance procedures, for 95% of shipments, from two days to just one hour.

It is envisaged that the Program will modernize and streamline customs processes and procedures.

The project, Solomon Islands Customs Automation Modernization Program (SICAMP) will assist in bringing the Solomon Islands Customs and Excise Division up to international standards.

The Finance Minister said that the focus of the project is speeding up international trade into and out of the country.

The Program is a 12 month project which started in June and is funded through a joint partnership between the Solomon Islands Government and RAMSI with contribution from NZAID.

The main tasks of the project will involve reviewing and rewriting customs regulations, reengineering systems and procedures, installing new computer system to process import and export declarations, whilst introducing the internationally endorsed Harmonized Tariff Classification System - version 2007.

Minister Lilo explained that: "once the IT system is running, it is expected that processing times will be reduced to minutes with the automated clearance which will enable importers and exporters to electronically lodge entries".

The Comptroller of Customs, Mr. Daniel Rofeta said that the project would assist in the enforcement of laws and regulations governing cargo movements across borders of the Solomon Islands.

"This will make customs more effective, efficient, and equitable when the project is implemented", he added.

Meanwhile, the Team leader, Customs Modernization program, Grant Coulter, explained that the project will help people to do business in Solomon Islands and compete in international markets and at the same time helping Customs to do its business.

He said that the Solomon Islands Customs and Excise Division in partnership with RAMSI have been working hard to build the capacity of Customs & Excise Division to improve revenue collection, increase border integrity and facilitate trade and at the same time the IT system would assist Customs to achieve those goals.

Speaking on behalf of NZAID, the NZAID Manager in Honiara, Guy Redding said that NZAID is pleased to be able to support this SIG/RAMSI partnership.

He added that the roll-out of "Statistics New Zealand's" PC Trade customs would enable Solomon Islands Customs to significantly reduce the time it would take to clear imports and exports, cut processing costs for both government and business, and provide accurate records and vital economic data for the publication of government reports such as balance of payments.

According to the Project Manager, Anna Lamont, the Project team would work closely with importers and exporters, the main stakeholders, to ensure a smooth introduction to the new system and procedures.

"We would be running an awareness campaign including workshops and seminars to solicit the views and ideas of the business community. Training Sessions would also be conducted to educate importers and exporters in the new system and tariff", she added.

ENDS

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