Customs takes new steps to speed up cargo clearance

• Import consignments to be picked for inspection under automated system replacing  'Out Panel' examinations for shipments with multiple containers 

By Charumini de Silva

Customs has announced new measures to improve facilitation benefitting its users with quicker clearance of shipments and reduced cost. 

From now on, import consignments containing multiple containers will be split electronically based on the risks involved. 

“This mechanism will replace the ‘Out Panel’ examination,” Customs sources said.

In this fully automated process, some containers in a consignment will be selected for examination at Rank Container Terminal (RCT), while the balance will be released either as ‘Exempted’ or ‘Release (Scan)’. 

However, issuance of gate passes at ‘NCT gate’ for containers released without referring to RCT will be debarred until the examination at RCT is finalised. 

Therefore, importers and Customs House Agents (CHAs) have been offered new advice.

If the consignment has been subjected to valuation, they have to first fulfil the valuation requirements prior to loading and thereafter take the examination-selected containers to RCT the earliest to enable the exiting of other containers through NCT. They will have to assess the time RCT will take to examine and decide the optimum time for the loading of other containers. 

Importers and CHAs have to request priority for examination at RCT in order to avoid delays in clearance of Exempted or Release (Scan) containers.

Customs said these measures are being introduced, aimed at faster clearance and reducing import costs for traders. 

Whilst the trade has been told to bear with the difficulties faced until all sectors get used to the new changes, Customs warned that persons who intend to misuse these facilities and get involved in fraud will face grave consequences.