NRA Sensitizes Regions on ASYCUDA++

In furtherance of public information and its sensitization obligation, the National Revenue Authority has concluded a week long sensitization drive on ASYCUDA++  in the regional towns of Bo, Kenema, Kono and Makeni. The rationale for the publicity on ASYCUDA++ is to enhance public awareness on the significance of the new system of customs clearance and the advantages it poses for importers. Several radio stations were utilized and phone in programmes conducted. 

Discussions were highly participatory and the NRA was encouraged by most callers to continue the process of regularly informing the public on it activities, functions and innovations. One such innovation, the ASYCUDA++ is the second highest Automated system of clearing imported Goods. This system is currently in operations at the Customs clearing house at the Queen Elizabeth the second Quae.

Its operation and function is simple, importers declare the list of their imported goods even before shipment or arrival of goods. This declaration can be done online from any location or at the customs office at cline town. On arrival, the goods go through some electronic system which does an assessment based on the declaration previously given. It goes through few other processes based on the authenticity of the declaration and goods are quickly cleared in less than three hours.

Before now, importers use to take two days or more to clear their goods when it was been done manually. This system is fast, efficient and highly reliable.

This system will soon be located at other strategic entry points to the Sierra Leone such as the Lungi international airport, Gbalamuya between Sierra Leone and Guinea and Gendema in the Sierra Leone Liberia border.

Members of the team who pioneered the sensitization programme were, Brima Karl Samura of the Public Affairs and Tax payers Education Unit, Felix Jummu from the Customs and Excise department, Bai Sesay of the GST unit based in Kenema, James Tengbeh of the GST unit in Freetown and John Baimba Sesay of the Public Affairs and Tax Payers Education Unit.

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