The full implementation of ASYCUDA World (AW) takes effect today (October 10, 2019). In this update, we highlight the steps which you can take to ensure that you are fully prepared and avoid any penalties arising from incorrect entries into the AW system.

1. The data field is mandatory. Companies/Brokers must ensure that accurate data is being entered into the system.
2. Pay attention to the prompt from the AW system.
3. Pay attention to the red lines in the fields which must be corrected.
4. Practice and use the manuals. A step-by-step process is provided in all the manuals. See links below:

https://asycuda.customs.gov.bb/files/BROKER%20MANUAL.docx.pdf

https://asycuda.customs.gov.bb/files/CARGO%20MANIFEST-CARRIER%20USER%20MANUAL.pdf

http://asycuda.customs.gov.bb/documents/SCANNED%20DOCUMENTS%20MANUAL%20v.2019-09-06.pdf

The President and other Executives of the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) held a follow-up meeting with the Comptroller of Customs Mr. Owen Holder on Thursday, October 03, 2019 to discuss, among other things, the challenges still being experienced by members in navigating ASYCUDA World.

While efforts are being made by the Customs Department and the Barbados Port Inc. to address the various challenges, there remain some systemic issues that need to be addressed. Here are some of the latest issues that have been raised by members which were discussed with Customs officials and the corresponding responses.

ISSUE #1: Import Licenses once written off cannot be scanned for upload into ASYCUDA World.

CED RESPONSE: Currently being addressed with Customs in dialogue with relevant agencies to ensure that they are fully integrated into the system.

ISSUE #2: Creation of data for training server to facilitate testing of data in training warehouses.

CED RESPONSE: Cargo Inventory Management Unit (CIMU) cargo training server to facilitate testing.

ISSUE #3: Creation of Group Chat for Warehousing issues.

CED RESPONSE: Separate chat unique to CIMU – Assignment of a specialist officer under review to ensure reliable and relevant information is provided. In the interim, the Comptroller is prepared to answer any urgent questions via communication from the BCCI Secretariat.

ISSUE #4: Excise Tax not being calculated on entry.

CED RESPONSE: Customs will ensure that the adjustments are made.
ISSUE #5: Reconciliation planning – Suggest period for voluntary reconciliation of opening Stock with SOH reports supplied by CED for those who can pursue and be ready to submit reports by December 31, 2019.

CED RESPONSE: The matter of reconciliation will be addressed by Customs in January and members should take note of this.

ISSUE #6: Cut-off period in respect of reconciliation of expired stock is desirable as the ASYCUDA++ program had flaws thus cannot be relied upon as a perfect standard for purposes of reconciliation.

CED RESPONSE: Challenges in communication between consultants and developers have been resulting in some issues but a new tool is being re-developed to work with ASYCUDA World.

ISSUE #7: Items have been changed from HS Tariff 2007.

CED RESPONSE: Prior to 2017, a hybrid tariff was used to determine duties and as a result of migration to ASYCUDA World the corrected bound rates are now applicable.

BCCI has requested that an official communique be issued by the CED in this respect for the benefit of the business sector.