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A new Customs system that is designed to reduce paperwork and moderni]e the processing to allow for the faster release of containers is facing some difficulties. A number of shippers who were given deadlines to submit electronic manifests have been facing problems. According to the *uyana 5evenue Authority *5A , based on discussions with stakeholders, it had issued notices on the need for submission of electronic manifests for the implementation of the Automated 6ystem for Customs Data A6<C8DA :orld.

A6<C8DA :orld, *5A e[plained, has commenced in a phased approach with the (-Manifest module, and requires electronic data to facilitate faster processing and clearance of goods.

The ta[ collection agency disclosed that shipping lines and local agents were engaged in discussions and notified of the requirement to submit electronic manifests in a prescribed format with effect from March 1,

1 . This must be submitted at least hours before the arrival of the vessel in *uyana. However, many shipping lines have not been forthcoming with the required submissions and have requested additional time for various reasons.

³The *5A wishes to remind all stakeholders that nonsubmission of the required documentation could result in delays to the timely processing and release of goods,” the authority said in a statement.

%ecause of the delays, Commissioner-*eneral *odfrey 6tatia has approved for the cut-off date to be e[tended to May 1 , 1 . After this date, the required electronic documents must be submitted, as there will be no further e[tensions, *5A warned. ³6ubmission of electronic manifests is mandatory under the provisions of the Customs Amendment 5egulations 1 and 6ection of the Customs Act, Chapter 1. Carriers, Carriers’ Agents and Consolidators who did not receive the manifest training are advised to contact the A6<C8DA :orld 1ational ProMect Team in an effort to facilitate the relevant training.”

2ver the years, importers especially have been complaining of the maddening delays at the wharves and the constant movement to and from the Customs Department.

*5A has been moving to introduced a moderni]ed system, as part of a bigger plan to improve its services and boost its collections.

(Kaieteur News)