COLOMBO, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka Customs will launch several IT-based solutions in the coming week to make procedures more efficient for importers and exporters, said a spokesperson on Thursday.
The announcement was made during a press conference in Colombo ahead of National Tax Week, scheduled from June 2 to June 8.
One of the key initiatives, known as the Asia Hub, will enable importers to complete customs procedures before their shipments arrive in the country, customs spokesperson and Additional Director General Seevali Arukgoda said.
With the new system, importers can handle customs requirements while goods are in transit, allowing for immediate transportation to warehouses upon arrival, except in cases selected for inspection, Arukgoda said.
Customs is also set to introduce an automated risk management system aimed at identifying high-risk consignments, he said. This system will help expedite the release of other shipments and improve detection rates by automating the assessment process.
Arukgoda said another development is the launch of a tracking system called TrackMyCusDec, which will allow traders and stakeholders to monitor their cargo clearance status.
In addition, a new motorcycle verification app will be introduced, enabling prospective buyers to check whether a vehicle was legally imported and taxes were paid, using only the chassis number. This measure is expected to curb the sale of vehicles that have been smuggled into the country without proper tax payments.
The introduction of these IT-based solutions coincides with the objectives of National Tax Week, which aims to boost tax revenue and promote transparency and accountability within the country, he said. ■
