Please see below Update #3, with responses from the ASYCUDA World (AW) Project team to additional queries and concerns raised by you, our members, during the ongoing implementation of ASYCUDA World.

Issue #1: Developers of customs software programs for warehousing were told they would receive in excel format the new tariff. This is the foundation for any infrastructure. They are wondering when they can expect this. Many companies are wholly dependent on these programs which they have used since 2005.

CED Response: Can you identify who would’ve promised them the excel copy of the tariff? Reliance on an application is optional.

BCCI Response: In response of representation by the BCCI, the Government Printery as a special consideration has indicated a willingness to make available copies of the HS 2017 Tariff in digital form. The digital copies of the Tariff are at a cost of $275.00 and will uploaded to USB/flash drives provided by the purchaser.

Persons desirous of obtaining digital copies of the Tariff are requested to indicate the number of copies they require and forward this information along with their contact details (name of company, address, email etc.) to the [email protected], no later than Thursday, 19th September 2019.

Hard copies of the Tariff will be available in approximately two (2) weeks and the BCCI will notify members as soon as confirmation is received from the Government Printery.

Issue #2: (a) Few companies have been receiving customs SOH reports as agreed. Those who haven’t received are wondering when they will. Those who have are of the view that full reconciliation will take an unimaginable long time. There needs to be a communication to all private warehouse operators of the next steps to recommencing of their bonds digitally.

(b) neither a template nor a field by field detail have been provided to developers. Hence, they are compelled to use trial and error to resolve issues (and with your teams support as well). However, this is not the most efficient or effective method. Until developers’ needs are satisfied, companies would be unable to upload OS7 data. It is really an urgent situation that needs to be resolved.

CED Response: (a) The reconciliation is not a function of the project team. All warehouse reports have been generated from ASYCUDA ++ and transferred to the Cargo Inventory Management Unit (CIMU -formerly warehousing section) for reconciliation and they were sent an automatic reply from the project team which informed them that the warehousing section would contact them. Only warehouses with adequate stock submissions will receive their report as was explained to them in writing and at the meeting.

(b) Developers were asked to contact the project or the consultants directly. Not sure why they have issues. Third party applications are now an option as ASYCUDA World accepts both excel and xml files directly a working feature that ++ didn’t offer. Developers met separately with the consultants and have been given support by the consultants and access to the system. There were requests made at the meeting some of which were facilitated others they were told upfront that they cannot be facilitated.

Issue #3: The critical question is when will the clearance of container cargo will commence?

CED Response: Container cargo clearance never ceased. CED has been allowing clearance of all cargo through the permission process. Goods previously assessed in ASYCUDA++ can be paid at the cashier and with this receipt and all other usual documents including a draft declaration from ++ or WORLD. Manufacturers and other Duty-Free shipments paying $10.00 are being processed quickly using permissions. Obviously dutiable shipments would need a deposit to cover the duty liability but those with prepayment accounts have the easier deal here. At the airport deposit cheques are being accepted.

Issue #4: Customs has started sending out their stock on hand reports to warehouse keepers. However. the data needs to be enhanced if genuine reconciliation is the goal.

(a) the values are provided in text format. This prevents ability to add the column. While it can be converted it requires specialist knowledge of excel.

(b) the usual method of cross referencing a shipment by CED is use of their registration number and its date of registration. Those are omitted in the file I and others received.

I draw this to your attention for it to be systematically addressed since we sincerely believe the Department’s goal is to genuinely facilitate the earliest resolution of discrepancies between both parties’ SOH reports.

CED Response: Contact the Cargo Inventory Management Unit (CIMU). I’m sure they will be willing to assist all warehouse keepers.

We encourage you to continue to submit your challenges, queries and concerns to the BCCI Secretariat at [email protected] so that we can continue to make representation on your behalf to Customs and the AW Project team.

Please note that while the BCCI will continue to provide support to our members, the CED remains the final authority on all matters relating to the roll-out of ASYCUDA World. Please contact the AW Project Office at Tel: 535-8720; 535-8721; 535-8722; 535-8723 or via email: [email protected] for further clarification on the matters outlined above.

Please be advised that Customs has established a call centre to assist you with your queries and challenges. The Customs Call Centre will be accessible from tomorrow (September 19) until September 26, 2019 (8:30 am to 8:00 pm) and can be reached via Tel. at 535 8233 or 535-8CED.

The Barbados Port Inc. (BPI) will be assisting the Customs Department during this transition period to troubleshoot on behalf all business clients. In addition, a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) brochure will be produced and made available via the ASYCUDA Portal, and within the Customs Department in the area where customs brokers process documents. The BPI has also established a hotline 431-6118 and an email address, [email protected]

Members who need to interface with the system are being asked to have their broker/agent contact the call center so that the BPI and Customs can identify the problems and address them as necessary.