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Customs Department to introduce 3-yr reform plan
KATHMANDU, OCT 31 - Department of Customs is introducing a three-year customs reform action plan to enhance customs capacity and efficiency and to upgrade infrastructure and institutional structure.
The action plan, termed as customs reforms and modernisation action plan, has already been forwarded to the Finance Ministry for endorsement and is expected to come into force soon, said a highly placed ministry source.
The action plan, developed as per the budgetary announcement, deals with seven major areas wherein need of reforms are felt urgently. "It proposes time-bound introduction of reforms in each area of customs valuation, procedures, automation, infrastructure and administrative structure, among others," said the source.
It mentions amending customs regulations in compliance to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) valuation agreement and Kyoto Convention for procedural simplification. Integrating customs directives, which currently exits in segregated forms, is also included in the plan.
Preparation of customs valuation database and exchanging these among customs offices, identification of basis for post-clearance audit, post-clearance review and post-entry verification too are stressed in the plan.
"Cross checking the price of the goods in the market and curbing the tendency of businessmen of extorting extraneous profit from consumers by comparing the market price with the import price is another crucial programme the plan has laid emphasis on," said the source.
However, these activities require strong coordination among various revenue institutions and the Finance Ministry has been requested for maintaining this balance.
Formulation of customs clearance manual, gradual reduction in document ~ ~ required for clearance, time bound customs clearance, simplification of clearance process for imports on bank guarantee and introduction of ‘Selectivity Module’ and ‘Risk Management System’ are other programmes of the plan.
"Timely amendment of directives for customs agent to make the customs clearance manual effective and compel them for doing justice to their profession will be carried out during the action plan implementation," said the source. Currently, agents are charged of fostering corruption in nexus with the customs officials.
Strengthening of ASYCUDA (Automated System of Customs Data), complete computerisation of major customs and linking the customs database with the centre are other programmes of the action plan for customs automation.
"The customs information would be linked through wide area network for effective monitoring and devising appropriate policy inputs timely," states the action plan.
The action plan also focuses on the development of customs infrastructure and adequate installation of necessary equipment along with the streamlining of customs administration structure for effective functioning of customs system and better service delivery.
It also cites formulation code of conduct for customs officials, and recruiting and training the customs guards to curb illegal trade and revenue leakage. Introduction of computerised clearance of passengers at Tribhuvan International Airport, formulation of long-term ‘manpower planning policy’ and strengthening investigation and intelligence are other important programmes.
Among others, the action plan hopes to make good image, behaviour and practice among customs officials.Posted on: 2003-10-30 09:06
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