The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

The  Customs Comptroller yesterday said his department had met its increased Budget revenue targets largely due to enforcement, adding that it will now place heavy emphasis on post-clearance audits.

Charles Turner told Tribune Business: “We have improved our risk analysis, and we have identified those high-risk importers. We are placing an emphasis on those high-risk importers.

“We are allowing those legitimate traders to flow freely though the border. We have seen some success. We have seen an increase in revenue and we are of the view that the increase in revenue is due to the enforcement efforts.”

While unable to state specifically how much additional revenue Customs has collected as a result of its enforcement efforts Mr Turner told this newspaper: “I have been told that we have met the target from the Ministry of Finance with respect to the Budget.”

He added that the department will further enhance its revenue efforts through the 114 new Customs recruits currently being trained.

“We will be assisted greatly by the new recruits that are still in training and, as a result, we will be able to place more emphasis on areas like harbour patrol, the K-9 unit, manifest control and post clearance audit,” Mr Turner said.

“We are going to put a lot of emphasis now on the post-clearance audit of goods because at the time goods arrive we are not able to make proper assessments as to the valuations. Going forward, emphasis will be on the post-clearance audit.”