Hiccups with ASYCUDA system being addressed
THE switch from a paper-based platform to a digital one in the Customs and Excise Department using the ASYCUDA World system, has not been without its hiccups.
Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Ryan Straughn, has admitted that there have been some varying “technical issues” with the implementation of the new Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA), which originally had an implementation of September 1, but which was introduced on Monday, September 9, 2019 due to technical glitches.
ASYCUDA World, an upgrade from ASYCUDA ++, is a more modern, robust and business friendly computerised customs management system, which covers trade procedures and Straughn has given the assurance that a number of the hiccups with the system are being worked out.
“What I wanted to address specifically this afternoon, is in a sense just to assure the public of Barbados that this process with respect to the way Customs is seeking to review and modernise one, its infrastructure and two, the business facilitation element with respect to small, medium and large businesses in Barbados as well, is to make it much easier for those individuals who have to clear items at the various ports of entry, to ensure that that process is as expedited as possible,” Straughn commented during a recent press conference at Government headquarters.
“Over the last few days with respect to its implementation, we have had some technical issues of a varying nature and the Department has sought to address that as part of the implementation,” he added, noting that the Department has also sought to address circulating titbits of information.
He also stated, “What we want to do is to alert those various stakeholders that the Customs Department remains ready with the project implementation team, to support any of those entities that require additional support, such that they can make it easier for the many thousands of Barbadians who engage the Department, to help those persons, as well as any small businesses and the rest of the business community, so that we can realise the real benefits of digitising the system.”
Comptroller of Customs, Owen Holder, has meanwhile given the assurance that it should take just about one week for the Customs and Excise Department to iron out any kinks in the ASYCUDA World system, so that it can run smoothly.
“I am very familiar with implementing these systems and I understand the teething issues that will develop with a new system, but from what we are seeing in Barbados currently, I can say this is a normal process of implementing the system,” Holder stated.
“So I wish to assure the public that within probably a week’s time, it will definitely settle down and the advantages you will get from implementing ASYCUDA World are numerous and you will see a major change in how things are done,” the Comptroller of Customs remarked. (RSM)