With the pilot of the ASYCUDA World Electronic Customs Declaration (C72/e-Sad) set to be launched on September 14, 2018 and an incremental roll out later this year, some 50 stakeholders and Trusted Trader Organizations were selected to participate in the piloting phase recently.
Speaking at the opening of the session, Deputy Commissioner of the GRA, Ms. Hema Khan, noted that due to the increase in international trade, global manufacturing and the emergence of e-business, there is a need for an efficient and faster border crossing and clearance procedure in Guyana. The TRIPS system which was implemented 10 years ago was lacking in these areas and upgrades were unsuccessful hence the need to implement ASYCUDA World.
The e-Sad initiative will see companies, exporters, importers and brokers benefiting from:
Electronic submissions of declarations from the comfort of their home/office; Electronic notification of whether goods can be released or needs to be further examined; Reduced processing and clearance times; Reduced costs and Simplified procedure forms and process to allow for greater transparency.
Additionally, risk management techniques will also determine traders who pose a threat to the country’s revenue and national security.
During the pilot phase it is anticipated that the issues discovered will be resolved before the general public has access to e-SAD. Recipients will also be introduced to the new Harmonized System (HS) 2017 codes which is a universal economic language and code for goods, and an indispensable tool for international trade.
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Consultant Mr. Terence Leonard said Guyana is currently experiencing vast economic growth while taxpayers and investors deserve efficient service & faster clearance of goods.
ASYCUDA e-SAD and HS 2017 are set to be fully operational by January 2019.