Maldives Customs has announced the introduction of a ‘simplified declaration’ mechanism aimed at streamlining the payment of import duties. This new system will allow private citizens importing goods for personal use to declare and pay duty via their mobile phones, eliminating the need for a broker.
Details of the New System
Customs Superintendent Ali Zubair outlined the benefits of this initiative in a recent interview with local media. He explained that the ‘simplified declaration’ mechanism is expected to be rolled out within the next two months. Currently, individuals must submit a form through a broker to declare goods and pay import duty. The new system will significantly reduce the time and complexity involved in this process.
Expected Benefits
“We expect to be able to introduce simplified declaration within the next two months, allowing people to submit information and declare their goods by themselves using their mobile phones without needing to involve a Customs broker or any other party,” said Zubair.
Addressing Common Issues
Zubair highlighted that Customs frequently receives complaints about the inability to track the status of imported goods. The involvement of brokers often complicates the process, leading to delays. Improper declarations or incomplete information also contribute to these delays, as Customs requires this information to set prices, rank goods, and determine the appropriate duty rate.
Efficiency and Transparency
The introduction of the ‘simplified declaration’ mechanism is expected to address many of these issues. By allowing individuals to handle declarations directly via their mobile phones, the process will become more transparent and efficient.
Exemptions and Additional Benefits
Goods imported for personal use valued up to MVR 10,000 are exempt from import duty, providing additional convenience for small-scale importers.
Conclusion
With this new system, Maldives Customs aims to enhance efficiency, reduce delays, and improve overall customer satisfaction in the importation process. The ‘simplified declaration’ mechanism represents a significant step forward in making the customs process more user-friendly and efficient for private citizens.
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