Customs Week Commences on Sunday 24th

(ZIZ News) – The week from Sunday 24th – Saturday 30th January will be observed as Customs Week 2016 and will feature a number of activities.

Customs Week is observed every year in the federation in recognition of International Customs Day, celebrated on January 26th.

Public Relations Officer for the St. Kitts and Nevis Customs and Excise Department, Larry Vaughan said this year’s focus will be on the digitalisation of customs process.

He said, “The World Customs Organisation (WCO) has designated that [the] theme this year is “Digital Customs: Progressive Engagement” and what we are looking at this year is how has the department been working with the people, interacting with the people and the benefits of our information and technology tools in working with the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.”

Vaughan said the Customs and Excise Department has done a good job in incorporating the use of Information and Communication Technologies into its daily operations.

“It has gone splendidly, especially with the introduction of ‘ASYCUDA’, the Automated Systems for Customs Data. It has assisted in the manifest declarations where the goods that come in – the airlines, the ships – they can all send their information to customs in a digital way. We do not have to wait for paperwork and it is seamless, you are able to process your goods through customs especially as a commercial importer and it makes the importation process and the exportation process that much simpler,” he explained.

Customs Week commences on Sunday when staff of the department will join worshippers of the St. George’s Anglican Church for service.

On Monday 25th, customs officers will hold talks with students across St. Kitts and Nevis and host a panel discussion on ZIZ Television.

Other events include an Officers’ Exchange with staff in St. Kitts and Nevis and an Open Day.