It is now mandatory for all private bonded warehouses for motor vehicles to do their import entries through the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA), being implemented by the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA).

CEO/Commissioner of Customs, Major Richard Reese, said the ASYCUDA World project has now completed implementation with respect to all non-commercial cargo imports, the Sufferance Wharves and export declarations being processed at all Customs locations.

Major Reese said the JCA has also commenced the pilot for commercial cargo shipments being imported for select Private Bonded Warehouse operators, Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) for full use of the automated system. He also indicated that the piloting for free zone imports and transshipments will also get underway before the end of January.

Full implementation of the ASYCUDA project should be completed in March this year. Prior to completion, the JCA will begin implementation of the permit/license regime within ASYCUDA which features online application and automated processing for export permits and licence for the range of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

Additionally, Major Reese said a Port Community System (PCS) project has also commenced and the Port Authority of Jamaica and JCA will partner to ensure that this is integrated with ASYCUDA World. PCS is a neutral and open electronic platform to enable intelligent and secure exchange of information between public and private stakeholders, in order to improve the competitive position of the sea and air ports.

The implementation of ASYCUDA World is in keeping with the Government’s strategy to improve trade facilitation and service delivery in Customs administration. ASYCUDA World has served to simplify and standardise procedures for customers, reduce waiting time, provide more accurate and consistent tax calculations, and address revenue leakage through enhanced system controls and accountability.

ASYCUDA World also allows the JCA to provide accurate and real time data to the Ministry of Finance and Planning as well as Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) and the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN).

ASYCUDA – Key Benefits

• Simplifies procedures for customers.

• Reduces waiting time.

• Provides more accurate and consistent tax calculations.

• Safeguards the country’s revenue.

ASYCUDA World – Milestones

• More than1600 end-users trained comprising:

o Customs Staff

o Brokers, Exporters, Cargo Reporters

o Wharfingers

o Other Government Administrators

o Private Sector Trade Associations

o Officers from (five) 5 regulatory agencies

ASYCUDA World – Milestones

• Project implemented for all non-commercial cargo imports and the Sufferance Wharves

• Successful pilot of ten (10) Private Bonded Warehouse

• Four (4) New Car Dealers

• Six (6) General Merchandise

• Full integration with AMVS for Data Transfer

• E-payment Services now in use by Importers/Declarants

ASYCUDA World – Milestones

•Non-Commercial Cargo – Marine Public Bonded Warehouses

•Pilot expanded to commercial cargo

•Mandatory use by free zone operators

•Air cargo manifest and processing

Integration with e-Trade and Port Community System

•ASYCUDA World now fully implemented at all marine public

bonded warehouses islandwide

•Mandatory submission of manifest prior to arrival of vessel

Upcoming Targets

ASYCUDA World will be mandatory for all AEO importers.

As of February 15th, ASYCUDA World will be mandatory for all private bonded operators of general cargo.

All current warehouse inventories must be entered ahead of February 16, 2016

Article: Courtesy of the Jamaica Customs Agency & the Jamaica Information Service