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Download PDF The Chittagong Customs House was automated yesterday in order to increase revenue and check irregularities through enhancement of its efficiency.
The operation of Import General Manifest (IGM) and Export General Manifest (EGM) module was launched under the first phase of introduction of automation at the customs house.
Shipping agents, freight forwarders and stakeholders from now on will be able to submit IGM and EGM online from their offices or houses.
The Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) started installation of a full automation system with an initial investment of Tk 2 crore provided by the stakeholders following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the customs authorities and the CCCI on April 13 this year. Chittagong customs authority started the process of implementing the automation system under the reforms initiated by the taskforce in June last year.
Sources said operation of the IGM/EGM module would allow round-the-clock entry of documents at a cost of Tk 50 each for 16 different types of services while Tk 180 was charged for each data-entry under the previous system.
Apart from clearing and forwarding (C&F) agents, exporters and importers will also be able to handle documents directly after obtaining the self-clearing licence.
However, one has to show a minimum turnover of Tk 20 crore with the customs house and documents certifying sound banking transaction of five years for obtaining self-clearing licence and unique user ID for completing the procedures online.
Sources said the automation system is expected to go into full operation with the introduction of Bill of Entry (B/E) module by this month.
“The system will go into full operation soon after the training programme for the stakeholders ends on August 14,” said Joint Commissioner (import) Matiur Rahman, also the member secretary of the 5-member committee supervising the implementation of automation system on Thursday.
A few formalities were to be completed before the automation system goes into full-fledged operation, said Brig Gen Hasan Nasir, commander of Taskforce B (Bravo sector) that is helping the customs authorities to introduce the new system.
It will help complete all customs formalities in only six steps against about 42 steps one had to go through under the previous system, he said.
The introduction of full automation and user-friendly procedures will help Chittagong Customs House check the evasion of revenue of at least Tk 350 crore and double the revenue earnings which now stands at Tk 11,000 crore a year, said a report of the taskforce.
It will also reduce business expenditure by 40 to 50 percent and save time by 80 percent in terms of completing customs procedures, claimed the report.
Taskforce B Commander Brig Gen Hasan Nasir, Customs Commissioners Shah Alam Khan and Margub Ahmed, CCCI Director Amirul Haq, and BGMEA First Vice-President MA Salam were present at the launching programme.
September 4th, 2008 at 3:09 am
dear sir,
thaks fr ur uptodate web site.my questions why the vehicles importes not able to dalivery the vehicles from port by automations sysyems?is it very critical system?we want transprancy for customs duty.
with best regards.
nakibul
September 4th, 2008 at 3:11 am
dear sir,
thaks fr ur uptodate web site.my questions why the vehicles importes not able to dalivery the vehicles from port by automations sysyems?is it very critical system?we want transprancy for customs duty.what is the problems regarding 2005 model assesment and noting.
with best regards.
nakibul