THE Tanzania Customs Integrated System (TANCIS) implemented early this year, has simplified the process of clearing import and export goods through port, airport and border posts in the country.

Presenting a paper to delegates attending one day Shipping Industry Consultative Forum in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday, Tanzania Revenue Authority Senior Customs Officer, Mr Felix Tinkasimile said the new customs clearing system was simpler and more transparent.

He said the TANCIS reduced the time to clear cargo by providing one platform where all stakeholders involved in the importation and exportation of goods could exchange necessary information.

Importers and exporters were now able to submit all the necessary documentation through the platform and agencies involved in the goods clearing process then process them and issue the necessary permits and clearances. “Clearing agents no longer have to move from one office to another in the effort to get their documents cleared.

Instead they are able to access TANCIS from the comfort of their own offices as long as they have access to the internet,” he explained.

Mr Tinkasimile said the system enables tracking of cargo when it arrives at the port, transported to Inland Container Depots (ICDs) and when it leaves for its final destination.

“The system has removed delays or loss of containers or cargo and makes it easier to hold officers accountable if any mishandling or purposeful delays occur,” he added.

Although the TRA Senior Customs Officer did not have at hand figures of revenue collected since implementation of the new system, Mr Rober Nyoni, TRA acting Manager for Customs Services Centre was quoted in the local media in September noting that since implementation the new system revenue had risen to 100bn/- a month.

The Surface and Marine Transport Regulatory Authority (SUMATRA) Director General, Mr Giliard Ngewe, urged all delegates from shipping fraternity to embrace the new system as the government irons out the few challenges that have cropped up.

He said since the introduction of TRANCIS in port clearance in December 2013, Port stakeholders have been experiencing a number of challenges in implementing the system.

“SUMATRA as the regulator has been receiving complaints and concerns from stakeholders asking the Authority to intervene to resolve the situation and smoothen clearance operations,” he explained.

He said TRA was invited to the forum to make a presentation of the TANCIS system as it plays a vital role in Port clearance and enhancing effective transport system in the country and entire region.

Source: Tanzania Daily News

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of TradeMark Africa.