PERSONS applying for motor vehicle import licences will now be able to complete the entire process online without the need for printed documents.

The Trade Board’s paperless import licence system was launched yesterday by Phillip Paulwell, the minister of industry, technology, energy and commerce yesterday, at the board’s office on Constant Spring Road in Kingston.

The minister said the new system was part of government’s initiative to enable an e-government-e-commerce society.

“We have moved one step further in the process of promoting the adoption of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the delivery of public sector services with the introduction of this paperless licensing system by the Trade Board, and which will benefit importers,” Paulwell told reporters.

According to the Trade Board, applicants will, effective tomorrow, will be able to pay for the licence online and once approval is communicated, via e-mail, the usual customs procedures can commence.

Prior to this, persons applying for motor vehicle licences online would still had to visit the board to acquire a printed document for customs purposes.

“More than 90 per cent of the applications for import licences are for motor vehicles,” said Tanique Brodber, client relations manager at the Trade Board.

Other items requiring import licences include refined sugar, milk powder, guns and ammunition and fireworks but these will still require printed documents for presentation to customs.