Initial issues with Customs procedures

There have been teething problems with Customs procedures over Tuesday and Wednesday.

GBC understands the ASYCUDA system was down for parts of yesterday with users struggling to get to grips with the new way of doing things.

On Wednesday morning it appeared there could be major issues at the Commercial gate as the first day of implementation and post treaty changes hit.

There was anger from customs agents who reportedly initially claimed had not been properly informed and then went back to gemming up on the new instructions.

Commemorations at the frontier and the visit by Pedro Sanchez didn't do delays and initial confusion any favours.

For its part, Customs says there were some unfortunate minor delays on Wednesday resulting from processing and accounting for incoming commercial goods movements under two different procedural streams; goods movements caught under pre-treaty and transitional measures where prior rates and previous customs rules apply, as well as all other commercial movements working under the new treaty measures via EU customs clearance and Transaction Tax collection.

It says it's been well prepared since legislation and supporting documentation had been published under new treaty arrangements. Customs adds there's been a lot of work which continues in the background to ensure implementation occurs in as smooth a manner, as possible considering the size and nature of the tasks at hand. New corresponding treaty measures relating to customs movements have been introduced today with Customs saying communication and clearance with their EU counterparts is working as expected.

As goods movements shift towards higher percentages all falling under the new commercial arrangements Customs would expect to see improvements as the new processes and procedures develop and become more familiar.

it says, delays today have been consistent with expectations arising from implementation of any procedural change of this magnitude.