| KUALA LUMPUR:
Ships docking at Malaysian ports
will no longer have to cool
their heels while waiting for
their papers to be cleared by
Customs.
Vessels will
have their cargo pre-cleared,
based on their estimated time
of arrival (ETA).
There is also an allowance for
the deferred payment of goods
under certain circumstances.
Both initiatives,
aimed at speeding up the shipment
of goods, are among several
improvements unveiled by the
Special Task Force to Facilitate
Business (Pemudah).
Pemudah co-chairman
and Chief Secretary to the Government
Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan said
the initiatives were intended
to simplify processes and procedures
for companies in the import
and export line.
"This is to facilitate
trade and increase revenue from
Customs duties," Mohd Sidek
said, adding that the pre-clearance
would be conducted in accordance
with World Customs Organisation
standards.
The ETA information
will be made available to all
government agencies ahead of
time to facilitate clearance
at any time of the day, including
weekends and public holidays.
However, the
pre-clearance depends on whether
the shipment's manifest and
declaration are in order, whether
it meets all regulatory requirements,
including risk assessment, whether
all duties have been paid and
that no further inspection is
required.
Westports executive
chairman and Pemudah board member
Tan Sri G. Gnanalingam welcomed
the move, saying that quick
cargo clearance was essential
as many companies used just-in-time
business practices.
"This
system will help keep their
inventory costs low because
there will be no hold-ups in
the supply chain.
"Previously,
the ship had to be physically
in port before all the documentation
could be done.
"This
slows down the process a lot,
especially if the ship comes
in on a weekend or a public
holiday where banks are closed."
Customs will
also collaborate with the Federation
of Malaysian Manufacturers to
make it easier for companies
to gain Customs Golden Client
status, known internationally
as authorised economic operators.
The CGC rewards
compliant and well-run businesses
in the country with quick Customs
clearance service and better
facilities.
The NST, 19.07.2008
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