DoC, UNCTAD sign pact to introduce fully automated customs system

KATHMANDU, Jan 3 :

Department of Customs (DoC) has signed an agreement with United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) for upgrading Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) into ASYCUDA World in order to make the customs clearance process easy and transparent.

A press statement issued by DoC said that the upgradation provides opportunity for traders to submit their customs declaration, copies of letter of credit (LoC) electronically from their home or office.

According to the agreement, a customized system suitable for Nepal will be prepared within eight months and the same will be experimented in three key customs point -- Birgunj, Biratnagar and Tatopani -- in the next four months. Thereafter the system will be replicated in all other customs offices.

DoC had adopted ASYCUDA system three years ago.

Asian Development Bank has provided grant assistance of US$ 4.5 million to the government for upgradation of customs systems. DoC will spend $1.92 million for software upgradation and capacity development of its employees. Remaining amount will be spent for operation of ASYCUDA World and integrated customs network systems.

ASYCUDA is a customs clearance system developed by UNCTAD. It is in use in over 60 countries.

DOC started implementation of a four-year Customs Reforms & Modernization Strategies and Action Plan from the last fiscal year. It aims to modernize the existing customs management system. Under the plan, DoC plans to put in place a fully automated customs system.

The existing customs system is troublesome and lengthy as traders have to submit hard copies of all documents for customs clearance process. Once ASYCUDA World system is fully implemented, they can send documents for customs clearance of their consignments electronically.

SOurce: Republica