Georgetown: The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), the agency tasked with collecting over seventy percent (70%) of Guyana’s revenue has further revised its Standard Operation Procedures (SOP) as it relates to the processing of imports and exports. As part of its core principles, the agency is expected to provide accessible, dependable and timely service; and be responsive and committed to improvement. Notwithstanding, there have been a number of issues raised as it relates to the timeframe for the processing of imports and exports.
In light of the issue regarding a further reduction in the time it takes to process exports, as well as concerns of the Private Sector organizations and those of His Excellency the President, Mr. Donald Ramotar for an even greater reduction of the time it takes to process exports in particular, the GRA wishes to point out that as usual, these concerns were taken into consideration and further changes were made to the SOP and the structure of the Goods Examination Unit (GEU) so as to be in a position to deliver an even more efficient service. These changes included an increase in the complement of the staff of the Unit and the separation of the functions relating to imports and exports. In addition, steps have been taken to ensure that the risk profile only reflects the involvement of the Drug Enforcement Unit in selected cases, minimizing and reserving the need to have collaboration only when the situation so warrants.
In the past, declarations lodged with Customs took at least two weeks to be processed. In 2012, ninety six percent (96%) of over seventy thousand (70,000) declarations were processed within three (3) working days. This was as a result of alignment and simplification of processes, more effective use of technology and regular training of officers to build competence and improve efficiency.
Additionally, to save time and provide both importers and exporters with real-time information relative to the status of their declarations and to inform them of any actions taken, screens were installed at the Customs Department and wharves. This is in addition to a computer that is available for importers and exporters to obtain information relative to their declaration status by simply utilizing their TIN or declaration reference number. In December 2012, the system was further modernized to ensure Importers/Exporters can, from the comfort of their homes, via computers or smart phones, check the status of their declarations.
Further, to facilitate trade in an expeditious manner, while protecting revenue, the GRA has made significant changes to its business and processing model. To this end, the GRA established a Risk Management Unit that applies risk profiles to determine the level of examination based on the risk posed to revenue collection. In so doing, legitimate cargo is processed expeditiously while cargo that pose some level of risk undergoes further scrutiny to detect Customs fraud and other transactional crimes.
Moreover, the Guyana Revenue Authority has recognized that streamlining and simplifying clearance procedures is of benefit to ancillary operators, other stakeholders and our national economy. To achieve the goal of offering efficient and effective clearance procedures, while executing its mandatory duties of revenue collection and enforcement activities, the GRA is increasingly introducing simplified procedures.
With a view of modernization of the process of simplified procedures, the GEU was implemented. This Unit is tasked with the responsibility of the examination of all goods imported or prepared for export profiled with some level of risk. Notwithstanding, it must be noted that not all goods are subject to 100% examination. The process includes mandatory scanning of containerized cargo for export in keeping with US Maritime Laws, which may lead to secondary/physical examination.
The DEU has officers who are trained to check for illicit drugs in cargo being imported or exported, while the GEU examines commercial cargo profiled by the Risk Management Unit. It should also be noted that Importers and Exporters are required to schedule examinations for specific dates and times, after which, officers are assigned to carry out their duties.
The systems implemented for checks and balances are there to safeguard against the ingenious and sophisticated methods utilized by criminals to perpetuate transnational crimes, inclusive of concealment in empty containers. Noted also, are the various discoveries of illicit drugs in containers for export.
Recognizing the need to protect legitimate exports, our trading partners and Guyana’s image, the Government of Guyana signed a MoU with the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC) to establish the Container Control Programme (CCP) which brings together trained officers from Customs, Guyana Police Force (GPF) and Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) to improve port security and prevent lawful maritime cargo containers from being used for unlawful activities.
It would, therefore, set us back and pose other challenges and risks to relinquish the high level of attention being given in sanitizing the poor image of the country as a transshipment point for drugs/psychotropic substances at the expense of expediency to satisfy the greed of a few of our businessmen.
Be assured that the GRA and its Stakeholders through the Trade Transaction Private Partnership Dialogue Body (PPDB) which includes the Private Sector Commission, Shipping Association and others continue to meet regularly to address matters of interest. Additionally, the PPDB’s mission is to improve the competitiveness of Guyana’s economy and its business by reducing the time and cost involved in the processing of import and export of goods.
Moreover, we are very enthusiastic that the merger of the GRA operations at one location in Camp Street, Georgetown will result in greater efficiency and enhanced customer service resulting in further reduction of the time it takes to do business. The GRA remains committed to finding solutions to enable Customs to balance its controls and collections functions with trade facilitation.
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