Customs to scrutinise high-risk consignments soon
KATHMANDU, MAY 21:
Customs officials of various customs offices from across the country emphasised on the need to scrutinise high-risk consignments to control customs frauds.
In the training organised by the Department of Customs, participants said that the risk management approach will help increase the effectiveness of customs offices.
The chances of commercial and economic frauds from customs points cannot be avoided, said deputy director general at the department Laxman Aryal. “Customs officials should remain alert in controlling such frauds.”
The customs officials have to put suspicious declarations under the scanner to control the problem of under-invoicing, he said, adding that another major challenge to the government is the smuggling of goods.
The government and customs administration should put more effort in protecting revenue by controlling illicit trade, he said. “Globally, customs is the origin point for most commercial and economic frauds.”
During the training programme, experts suggested a different approach to control the risk at customs points.
Customs administration should develop a risk indicator scientifically to reduce frauds, according to chief at Post Clearance Office Sharad Kanta Adhikari.
All customs offices should ensure that there is proper documentation, verification and checking of export-import, he said. “The customs administration should identify high-risk consignments which can be smuggled and under-evaluated by traders and should put extra effort to control frauds in export-import of such goods.”
Customs officials can also control risks by identifying traders who do not have a good track record, he informed. “For example, customs officials should put those traders who have been frequently involved in customs frauds in the past under scanner.”
The department has already completed the training on Post Clearance Audit, said Aryal. “The department will organise the training on harmonised code and classification system soon.”
Source: THT
