Overview
Subsequent to the successful introduction and usage of modern
computerized customs systems in East Africa, a need became rapidly
apparent for an automated and timely method to exchange information
across borders between the various customs systems that meets international
standards as per World Customs Organization rules in the Revised
Kyoto Convention.
The positive impact of this automated exchange on cargo clearance
time, anti-corruption and resulting global competitiveness was
recognized by the East and Central Africa Global Competitiveness
Hub (ECA Trade Hub) and a preliminary technical study on methods
of integration was undertaken in early 2005. This study was presented
to the Revenue Authorities of Kenya and Uganda along with a proof
of concept demonstrating the integrative capability of Kenya's
SIMBA 2005 and Uganda's ASYCUDA++ customs systems in August 2005.
The ECA Trade Hub IT team of consultant Michael Smith, and resident
specialists Edward Ichung'wa & Athman Mohamed documented a
recommended short term solution which can be enhanced and built
upon in the future to render a more ideal system. Close contact
with URA/KRA IT personnel and UNCTAD's East African ASYCUDA representatives
was maintained to ensure the best possible techniques for integration.
The proposed solution was presented and unanimously accepted by
both Revenue Authorities and building on discussions and meetings
of the previous year, documentation and plans were put forth for
a modern, extendable method to link any and all of the various
customs systems in use throughout the region.
The solution will enable customs data to be communicated instantly
from point of transit origin, through all points of transit, to
point of destination. This advance notification will allow for
streamlined processing of goods, increased transparency, increased
accuracy in goods verification and risk assessment, and enhanced
overall efficiency including avoidance of duplicate data capture
at border posts. In addition, complete communication will include
a reconciliation report transmitted to country of exit upon receipt
of goods into the country of entrance. This data exchange will
greatly reduce customs clearance time and overall transport time
and is directly beneficial to the region, the traders and the Revenue
Authorities. Transport costs are reduced, throughput of goods is
increased, and market access and global competitiveness are increased.
Communication and Access security is built into this solution to
reassure countries of the safety of information being transmitted.
The first phase of the integration of the Kenya's SIMBA 2005 and
Uganda's ASYCUDA++ has now been successfully accomplished.
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