5 MIN READ
This is a guest contribution by Barbadian supply chain professional Wanda Downes. It is an independent piece and is not reflective of the views, thoughts or opinions of the author’s employer.
ASYCUDA World is here! Now what?
After launching on September 9th, Barbados is now in the deep of things with the customs portal ASYCUDA World. Mandated to start as part of the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation (BERT) programme with the International Monetary Fund, the primary goal of implementation was to upgrade and modernize the country’s customs infrastructure and better facilitate trade for small, medium and large businesses while keeping national security at the fore.
There has been a plethora of implementation drawbacks, which have heavily impacted the business community and have been the subject of much discussion in the local media. While tempting, the intention of this article is not to add to the numerous conversations about Barbados’ ASYCUDA World teething issues, rather we will focus on some of the information that has become available so far, which will allow us who interface with customs to move past the issues. Information and communication are key.
Let’s start with contact numbers and emails!
The newly appointed Comptroller of Customs Mr. Owen Holder has made both his and his deputies’ contact numbers publicly available and has impressed upon the business community to call either of them directly when experiencing customs clearance roadblocks. Similarly, the contact emails for the ASYCUDA World Project team have been made readily available throughout the transition period and serve as a resource when experiencing problems using the portal.
To add to the above, a reliable source from the Barbados Customs Department revealed that officers are now coming two at a time for outdoor bookings and the travelling fees are to be split between them. I can confirm that this is exactly what has been occurring with my own bookings. Some officers are questioning this but until there is official communication as to a change, we should continue as stated.
Let’s talk about physical clearance now.
Barrels
There is no requirement for persons who are not directly a part of the customs import/export process to access and upload anything to ASYCUDA World. For example, the general public trying to clear a barrel will not be interacting with the system just as before—this will remain the responsibility of your chosen customs broker or shipping company.
There will be an interview process where there must be a direct correlation between what has been manifested as being in the barrel and what the person receiving the barrel declares. Barrels can now be cleared without physical examination in instances where they are directed to the green lane. If it is determined that examination of the barrel’s contents is required, then the consignee must go to the red lane after import duties are paid. This should ease port congestion when coupled with extended port opening hours (7 am – 7 pm) for the Christmas rush season.
Containers
The aim is to automate all sections of customs with internal operations policies to ensure adequate cross-training of all officers. On our end as stakeholders, our compliance determines our process path. Previous years compliance or noncompliance will determine if our goods go green lane or red. To ensure national security there is a post-clearance audit unit that can visit your site ad lib to check green-lighted containers.
A Trusted Trader Programme is to be piloted by the end of November 2019. This programme will offer reduced inspection to importers recognized as safe and secure. It should also free up resources for instances where checks do have to take place; perhaps resulting in improved efficiencies.
There’s a new tariff in town!
The Customs Tariff (Amendment) Order for 2019 is in full effect and copies will be made available at the government printery. The Customs Department’s ASYCUDA website however, provides an online tariff, which can be accessed here.
Unfortunately, there are still several questions left unanswered about the changes in the new tariff, such as the accuracy of the reported quantum leap that the import duty on fruit juices imported for retail sale has made. We will however have to wait until further information becomes available about this and other changes.
Registration & Questions
For those who are required to interact directly with ASYCUDA World, if for some reason you have not yet registered to access the portal, you can find the registration document here, which should then be taken to ASYCUDA World Project Implementation Unit located at the Barbados Port Inc. Building, University Row, St. Michael. You are also required to submit passport-sized photographs along with the application form.
There are also some useful Q&As published by the Barbados Chamber of Commerce (BCCI), which were collated after dialogue between the BCCI and the ASYCUDA World project team. These ASYCUDA World implementation updates can be found here, here and here.
Finally, there is still what could be considered a large backlog at both the sea and airport due to the switch to ASYCUDA World. The Barbados Port has agreed to waive port storage fees on a case-by-case basis, where such fees have been incurred due to the ASYCUDA World software transition. Authorities also suggest that negotiations with shipping lines on demurrage charges resulting from backlogs during the transition period will be led by the Bridgetown Port and the Barbados Chamber of Commerce.
ASYCUDA World is here to stay; at least for the time being, so let’s not fear or attack it—rather, take some time to understand it. Don’t hold your knowledge close, share it with your colleagues to help them out of the haze. Let’s discuss in the comments section changes to tariffs you have become aware of and ASYCUDA World portal tips you’ve discovered. Let’s move forward together.
WRITTEN BY WANDA DOWNES
Wanda Downes is a believer that companies and individuals that do not have an understanding of supply chain management are missing out on great potential for growth. It’s not just purchasing or logistics!
Ella también está tratando muy duro de aprender español.
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