When NRA modernizes its operations

I am writing this piece from the Wusum Hotel in Makeni where we (SLAJ members) had converged to discuss issues concerning us. So, expect a comprehensive article on what was the outcome, especially in relation to the aspect dealing with maintaining the respectability of journalists in this country, something that the Umaru executive has ensured when he assumed office. You may not like Umaru Fofana but the fact is he has performed extremely well in the last one year when he took over SLAJ. So be on the watch for my analysis of the SLAJ AGM.

But the purpose for this particular article I look at some developments within the NRA. The National Revenue Authority has done tremendously well in recent times, in meeting its national responsibility as prescribed by law. One of the key operational departments of the National Revenue Authority is the Customs and Excise Department, under the Commissionership of Mohamed S. Bamba. This department has helped tremendously in the revenue mobilization effort of the NRA. Customs and Excise is among other functions there to ensure trade facilitation and ensuring national security.

So, in an attempt to ensure trade facilitation, it is at the moment working on final preparation for the introduction of the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA). This  is a computer software package that is used by Customs Administrations in about 90  countries, in processing documents which relate to export and import of goods.

The system was developed by the United Nations Conference for Trade and Development which covers most foreign trade procedures.  It practically takes into account international best practices and handles accounting, transit and suspense regimes. It handles also manifest and customs declarations. The United Nations Conference for Trade and Development took advantage of advances in computer technology to develop this customs software.

ASYCUDA generally ensures fast clearance of goods, and at the same time accounting for revenue collected and compilation of trade statistics. It creates room for an open and transparent operation within a country’s Customs Department.

Investigations show that this system of customs processes and procedures has been in operation in at least 30 African countries. The system from a practical point of view has helped a country like Jordan in generating customs revenue by providing a more efficient service to the business community. Simply, ASYCUDA reduces the time one takes in clearing goods, and also keeping revenue stable and leading to a better and trained staff in terms of technological use and literacy.

 

 

 In practice, the system generates data which a nation can use for arithmetical investigation, and also takes into account international trade best practice. In Jordan, in 1999, an evaluation on Computerization of Customs Procedures and Data for improving revenue was conducted. And there were lessons learnt. And one of these lessons included but not limited to; the need for high-level policy support and commitment.

In Uganda for instance, research also indicates that the system was introduced way back in 1996 and is currently operational in areas like Kampala Long Room, Kampala Railway Goodshed, et al. The new verification system, ASYCUDA ++ was implemented in 2002. This version consists of several modules, including Declaration, Accounts, and Statistics etc.

Sierra Leone has also been taking the advantage of advancement in computer technology. At the moment, the country is at the stage of ensuring that it gets the ASYCUDA ++ system in place at its Customs Department. And all things being equal, Sierra Leone shall have a test phase of this system THIS WEEK!! Great!!

With funding and technical advice for the operation of this project from the United Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the main objective is to support the global aim of trade facilitation, by ensuring that it strengthens its customs operational capacity. As I mentioned earlier, the ASYCUDA ++ system helps to accelerate clearance and simplifies procedures while at the same time providing government with reliable and timely information to formulate macroeconomics and fiscal policies.

The introduction of the ASYCUDA ++ system into the operations of the Customs Department of the National Revenue Authority is based on a number of reasons; it ensures that all of the Customs functions are automated or computerized thus providing prompt service delivery to the public. It also allows for the use of international codification and single administrative document that will definitely replace the plenty declaration forms presently being used at the customs department.

Before the introduction of ASYCUDA, there used to be a number of problems associated with customs processes and procedures; there were delays in the clearance process with outstanding declaration; there used to, and still is, a contact between customs officers and the public; there used to be too much discretional powers exercised by officers and no automatic integration of the manifest data from carriers.

But with ASYCUDA, there will now be an electronic manifest obtained from airlines and carriers; there will be a new type of declaration called SINGEL Administrative Declaration and a new processing path for the clearance of goods.  All of these are indications that the NRA, through the customs department is moving in line with international best practice.

The Customs department is a relevant department in the National Revenue Authority, just like the others, and it is therefore necessary to ensure a better business environment for clients and this is why the decision to introduce the ASYCUDA ++ system of business transaction must be seen as a good idea.

With this system in place, the importer saves a lot of time and energy as he/she will now be  in his or her office and make his/her  declaration and processes all relevant documents within hours and not days. The NRA is moving and will continue to move with the support of the people of Sierra Leone. 

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