Leads to paperless clearing:

Customs automated from January 1

Sanjeevi JAYASURIYA

Sarath Jayathilake

Sri Lanka Customs has gradually upgraded the IT based clearing system with the introduction of the ASYCUDA automated cargo clearance system.

This will lead to a paperless clearing system.

It will automate manifest and payment systems to facilitate all imports and exports from January 1, 2010, Customs Director-General, Sarath Jayathilake told Daily News Business.

The process will initiate a new beginning in automation of Customs functions with plans to become 100 percent electronic next year. All other documentation will be automated during this period, he said. The process would enable exporters and importers to operate from their offices and to track down the entry process to ascertain the stage - held up or being processed.

The system will ensure efficiency and it will be time saving for the benefit of the end user, he said. The most important features of these developments were based on the priorities of the cargo clearance and accounting system.

"We have now come to a stage that the total package of Customs imports and exports clearance including the various controls and facilitation action could be perform through one system effectively and timely manner, Jayathilake said.

The implementation of ASYCUDA World application provides door-to-door facility through Information Technology and could be used for accurate cargo accounting with high level of revenue collection and also a solution for maintaining high level of integrity.