Tuvalu has increased revenue by 20% after automating its customs management systems.
Paperless customs procedures have really made it simpler for traders in Tuvalu, says Sania Teisini, Director of Tuvalu’s Revenue & Customs Department.
“They are quite happy about this automation as they are no longer required to make frequent trips to the offices. We now mostly communicate through the ASYCUDA system,” she said.
Launched in December 2021, the UNCTAD’s ASYCUDAWorld portal means customs paperwork no longer needs to be processed manually.
The system also provides for third-party access. Teisini adds that the nation’s planning and budget team now has direct access to data through the ASYCUDA system, which is essential for trade-related decision making,.
“In the past we had to extract this information and send it to them, but with ASYCUDA, they can just log in whenever they want and get this directly from the system.”
Price inspectors also have direct access and the data helps them monitor and regulate price controls on goods and services.
Pedro Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), says the system has also improved transparency, compliance and efficient clearance of goods.