Customs to implement AW system
Ramani KANGARAARACHCHI
Sri Lanka Customs will implement the ASYCUDA World (AW) System which
is the latest UNCTAD ASYCUDA software from January 1, Customs Director
General S.A.C.S.W Jayathilake said at the introductory seminar on AW at
Cinamon Lakeside Hotel yesterday.
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S.W.
Jayathilake |
He said the implementation of AW application which provides door to
door facility through IT, is the main topic discussed at present. Sri
Lanka Customs has come to a stage where the total package of Customs
imports and exports clearance including various controls and
facilitation have to be done through one system.
However, procedures and applications need much simplification
according to international standards and the compliance level of all
stakeholders.
The best method to implement AW will be discussed with past
experience, Jayathilake said. Speed, low cost and transparency are the
key factors for the success of the system and maintaining the right
balance with trade and policies will continue to be the challenge, he
said.
He said, effective planning and monitoring, consultation with all
stakeholders, proper coordination and commitment and latest technology
would help overcome this challenge, but the system must be reviewed from
time to time to improve efficiency.
Customs Director, PA Dias said AW is a web based system with several
additional features and Sri Lanka Customs is planning to expand the
electronic lodgement to 100 percent from the present 25 percent.
Priority has been given for submission of electronic manifests and the
necessasity of hard copies will be minimized under the new system.
Customs Superintendent M.R Rajmohan said the re-engineered e-Customs
process will have a number of benefits such as ability to submit 100
percent electronic cusdecs, avoid key-in at Long room, availability of
fully automated E-processing for green entries, reducing number of
cusdec from five to two, and reduce the number of manifest copies from
seven to one and availability of customs third eye supervision.
UNCTAD-ASYCUDA Regional Coordinator for Asia Pacific, Renaud Masenet
also made a presentation on e-Customs.
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