New computer software brings major
changes to Customs operations
Local businesses were informed by Chief of Customs Glen Lefiti in a Nov. 14 letter that come January 1, 2008, the Customs Division of the Treasury Department will no longer accept any paper version of the Declaration of Entry.
Lefiti has informed all shippers, consolidators, and local importers about the new policy, which comes with the implementation of a new computer software for Customs.
“This automated system will streamline our daily operations and improve data/excise tax collections,” Lefiti wrote. “The software has the capability of assessing imported commodities using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule and assessing the excise tax based on information provided by the consignee.”
The system will print out, among other things, the complete Declaration of Entry and a receipt, in addition to tracking container inspection and undeclared or duty free items.
Customs has informed the business community about the new computerized system and software. The major change is the submission of the declaration form in electronic format using software which Customs will provide to the shipper, consolidator, or local importer (i.e. merchants and consignees).
The software replaces the manual declaration form and the software will work on any PC-compatible computer running any version of Microsoft Windows.
Customs will have a different version (remote manifest) of the same software for shippers, to use for the submission of the ship/flight manifest.
The Customs Office will have the ‘consolidator’ version of the software for businesses providing courier services like DHL, FedEx, FAX Cargo or any business that ships for “other” local customers.
Customs is providing training and assistance to customers for the installation and use of the software (11/19-11/21 and 11/26-11/30). Customs is available during and after training to answer any questions.
Failure to attend the scheduled training means the customer’s cargo will remain at the dock until an electronic format of the declaration of entry is submitted to Customs.
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