| Customs Dept. Introduces
New Entry Processing System June 21
As of Monday, June 21, the Jamaica Customs Department will introduce
an electronic C78X entry processing system that will facilitate
complete automation for both commercial and non-commercial imports.
The new system will allow the Department to have the relevant information,
"to exercise prudent expediency, while at the same time improve
customer satisfaction", Commissioner of Customs, Hector Jones
has said.
The Commissioner was addressing delegates who attended the Jamaican
Diaspora Conference at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown
Kingston on June 16. He made his presentation in a session titled,
'Going for Efficiency: Public Service Delivery.'
He explained that the C78X entry form would be accompanied by the
C86 form, which could be filled out before the shipment reaches
Customs, to allow for detailed description of the cargo. It would
serve as the importer's formal declaration of the consignment received,
Mr. Jones pointed out.
Highlighting aspects of the Customs Department's modernization
programme, Mr. Jones noted that automation was an aspect of the
drive towards efficiency. "The modernization initiatives have
enhanced quality services to Jamaicans living at home and in the
Diaspora," he said.
He noted that other aspects of the electronic entry processing
system included pre-arrival processing, electronic (e)-payment,
e-manifest, e-export and the passenger declaration form - C5.
Addressing taxation concerns expressed by members of the Diaspora
community, the Commissioner said that the C5 form allowed passengers
to bring in goods valued at US$500, up from US$150, duty free, twice
per year. Above this amount, he said duty would be charged.
Additionally, he said that returning residents could bring in a
45-foot container of goods (personal and household), duty free,
once they had been living abroad in excess of three years.
On the issue of hassle experienced by philanthropic organizations
and individuals at Customs, Mr. Jones said he welcomed the contributions
made by these persons to Jamaica, but advised that they could make
the process easier by informing the Department prior to making the
shipment, which would then instruct them on the proper procedure
for packaging and invoicing goods. He further advised that pharmaceutical
goods donated to Jamaica had to be thoroughly checked to ensure
that they were appropriate and within the limit of the expiry date.
Mr. Jones pointed out that to better serve the Jamaican Diaspora
community, the Customs Department had developed, "an improved
client focused Returned Resident Unit". He explained that the
Unit advised persons who would like to return to Jamaica permanently.
The Commissioner emphasized that the Department was in the process
of developing "a world class customer service unit".
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