Customs to Implement ASYCUDA World (AW) System in Sri Lanka

28th October 2009, www.dailynews.lk, By 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.

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.

Photo: Customs Director General S.A.C.S.W Jayathilake