fp Turks and Caicos

As of May 26, all items shipped into the country at Grand Turk by sea and by air are being processed with a new computerized system aimed at speeding up the Customs clearing process.

The Automated Systems for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) World has been in operation on Providenciales since February.  A web-based system, ASYCUDA is turning customs procedures into an almost completely electronic process. But it requires anyone receiving more than three items to use the services of customs brokers, who must be trained and certified in use of the secure computerized system.

People wishing to bring in three items or less must obtain a waybill from the shipping carrier and an invoice for the value of the items received. Take those documents to the Customs office on Airport Road on Grand Turk, where you will pay the new 4-percent Customs Processing Fee, plus any applicable duty.

“With the introduction of ASYCUDA World, all persons who will be receiving cargo from the transit sheds are ask to provide a photo identification, along with identification for their transportation (licence plate number, etc.),” according to a May 24 statement from Deputy Collector and ASYCUDA Project Manager Monica Simmons.

“All shippers, shipping agents, freight forwarders, importers and customs brokers should note however that written declarations will continue to be required for all consignments imported into the Turks and Caicos Islands prior to 22 May 2011.”

“In this regard the Customs Department require all entities to prepare and submit declarations for these consignments before 30 September 2011 in conformity with Section 28(1) of the Customs Ordinance — following which all items will be transferred to the Customs warehouse and arrangements made for the subsequent auctioning of the goods in question. In addition all pre entries releases would cease effective 31 December 2011.”

For more information, visit the Customs website at www.customs.gov.tc.