Customs to launch automated export documentation system

Since the beginning of 2011 the Sri Lanka Customs department has been gradually introducing automation to various divisions of its services. The first was to work online with Motor Traffic department, followed by mandatory Direct Trade Input system (DTI), online payments of customs charges. The manifesting process is also being implemented with ship agents, SLPA and logistics companies.

Under the leadership of Customs Director General Jagath P. Wijeweera, a team of officials from Customs, Treasury and the private sector have installed a process to submit and receive approvals online for export cargo, whereby physical documents will be removed and trade will be facilitated along with E – CUSDECs and E- Cargo Dispatch Note (CDN). Exporters and service providers will have to adapt to the new system and register with customs; the process will reduce the documentary process and will reduce physical movements between various departments. For the first time the Customs will launch the fully automated export documentation system in May 2013. Given the complexity of various exporters' needs and processes involved, a step by step approach will be implemented to facilitate both non BOI and BOI clients.

The department is also planning to introduce the electronic Cargo Dispatch Note (CDN), in the month of May. The launch will be held on the 6th of May at the Kingsbury Colombo to educate the trade on the new changes.

In a further development, the Customs department will facilitate SAGT and the SLPA on e- clearance of containers, this process will be also explained by Customs /SAGT at the launch which is now being conducted on a trial basis at SAGT in the port of Colombo by Sri Lanka customs..

Both BOI and non BOI companies will be eligible to register for this system provided they are exporters or declarents or their service providers.

All companies involved in exports and international trade and services, logistics, shipping companies are requested to attend the launch as the process will be explained by Director General and his team from Sri Lanka Customs, comprising of legal, exports divisions long with SAGT introducing e -clearance for containers.

This will be the forum to iron out and discuss all questions and obtain guideline notes to operate and register for the system, the Customs will also publish a small manual and circular to educate the trade on the process change etc.

The event is jointly organised by the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) and Shippers? Academy Colombo (SAC) with the concurrence of Sri Lanka Customs.

The trade is requested to get in touch with JAAF or SAC for registration information from,

[email protected] or www.shippersacademy.lk