E-Import Procedures

Goods imported are subject to Customs control until released into “home consumption” or otherwise treated. The Customs procedures for clearance of imports whether arriving by land, air, or sea are similar with some slight differences in specific areas. Customs uses computer technology to carry out its import processing. By using a system called e-Import, Customs brokers and importers create Customs Declarations in their offices direct from commercial invoices. The minimum amount of documentation required for Customs clearance comprises :

• An Import Declaration

• An airway bill or bill of lading

• An invoice

• A packing list

• Other documents as required e.g. certificates of origin, licenses or permits for restricted goods

Under the e-Import system, there is no need for relevant parties to submit paper documents as all data is transmitted electronically from an importer computer system to a Customs computer system via either VAN or the Internet. Prior to the arrival of cargo or upon the arrival of cargo, a shipping company/agent forwards a ship arrival report, manifest and container list to the Customs’ computer system. The Customs computer system then validates the data and reports any error for immediate online correction. If there is no error, the ship arrival report number is automatically generated by the system and the response message is forwarded to the shipping company/agent. When the cargo arrives at the port or place of entry, an importer or a Customs broker forwards an Import Declaration to the Customs computer system. Again, the Customs computer system validates the given data and issues a Declaration and Payment Numbers within a minute in conjunction with the electronic fund transfer payment system or e-payment.

After that the importer contacts a warehouse owner for the release of goods. At this stage, cargo data is screened against predetermined selectivity criteria in order to indicate whether the declaration is under a Red Line (requiring thorough physical checking) or a Green Line (permission of release). Green Line Declaration is cleared within a minute. Then, the cargo status is electronically forwarded to both the Port Authority and the importer/Customs broker. In cases where the cargo status is categorized as the Green Line, the cargo is released from the warehouse or container yard. However, in cases where the predetermined selectivity criteria indicates that the cargo is subject to the Red Line, the Port Authority removes the cargo container for physical inspection by Customs before the release of the cargo.

E-Export

For the clearance of exports, the export documentation comprises :

• An Export Declaration

• An invoice

• A packing List

• An export license/permit (if applicable)

• Other relevant documents (if applicable)

Similar to the e-Import system, once the export declaration data has been entered into the Customs computer system it will be subjected to automatic processing, for example, such as data validation, data matching, release status, etc. and the cargo is released.

Date: 2016-01-14; view: 865