As efforts continue to improve the trade of goods and services across local and international borders, the Jamaica Customs agency is fast tracking its own plans to integrate and facilitate the process.

This is being done through the implementation of the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA), which is expected to be completed sometime next month.

The web based system is designed to transform the agency to a paperless operation through the use of electronic documents.

According to Commissioner of Customs, Major Richard Reese, the new automated system is in keeping with the Government’s strategy to improve trade facilitation and service delivery in customs administration and when completed will see customs declarations, shipping manifests as well as accounting procedures, and transit and suspense procedures all being conducted electronically.

The system is being implemented through a US$4 million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

Meanwhile, Chief Information Officer of JCA, Andre Williams says the system has eliminated the use of paper, which has reduced the processing and waiting times at various stages and has resulted in cost saving.
He says based on the number of yearly transactions, where it concerns exports and commercial imports, there is a saving of $66 million per year just for the purchasing of forms.

Williams says ASYCUDA has allowed for “greater efficiency, transparency and accountability on the part of our business partners as well as the JCA [because] there is an immediate electronic submission of the declaration and supporting documents”.