Dear Editor,
I wish to commend the Commissioner General and Officials at the Customs & Trade Administration for coming up with a simplified form for the clearance of imported personal effects items. I recall writing, and subsequently meeting with Mr. Sattaur and his team to outline the numerous steps that had to be taken, and the long delays for the clearance of personal items such as barrels and small packages shipped from overseas.
With the introduction of this new form, we have seen a significant reduction in the wait time as well as procedures, for the examination, clearance and delivery of consignments at the Cheddi Jagan airport and wharves.
Kudos should also be given for the consideration given to the period allocated for the provision and filing of export documents for cargo intransit at the airport.
In times gone by, cargo which happened to arrive in Guyana either by mistake, or for transhipment, had to remain in the country until all export documents were completed, filed and approved for re-shipment by the Customs Department.
With the new procedure, intransit cargo destined for other destinations is now allowed to leave almost immediately, and the exporting shipping company given seventy-two (72) hours thereafter to complete the documentation process.
These are great steps in the interest of commerce and trade and the Guyana Revenue Authority should be complimented.
Yours faithfully,
Franklin (Bobby) Vieira – President
Caribbean Cargo & Package Services
