DIT system speeds up Ctg Customs House
With a view to bringing Chittagong Customs House under automation process, the authorities introduced Direct Traders' Input (DIT) system for import of cargoes on Monday.
The system has been introduced at Section 1 of Customs (Import) on an experimental basis and if proved success it would be introduced to all sections gradually, sources said.
On the first day of its introduction at Customs (import), the DIT system helped clear 96 Bill of Entries while clearance of each Bill of Entry usually takes several hours, they said.
Earlier, the system at Customs (export) proved success in helping Chittagong customs realise revenue through easing taxation system.
The DIT system at the Customs (export) helped the authorities realise a record amount of revenue of Tk 82 crore on Thursday while the previous record of realising revenue on a single day was Tk 68 crore as against the daily target of Tk 45 crore, sources said.
Both the import and export customs are going for automation of taxation system as a part of the reform process initiated jointly by the customs authorities and the taskforce formed by the joint forces at Chittagong Customs House.
Of the reform proposals that are being implemented since June, automation of taxation system is the most remarkable one.
The businessmen hailed the automation of taxation system, which will help perform export and import activities from home and remove boisterousness of the middlemen.
Chittagong Customs House (import) and Customs House (export) officials and members of joint forces started primary task on July 3 for completion of the implementation of the automation system by January next year.
The meeting on the day decided to raise Development Service Fund through collecting additional amount of Tk 70 along with the fixed document processing fees of Tk 30 against each bill of entry and bill of export.
The fund is needed for procuring computer and other equipment for implementing the automation system and developing other facilities at both the customs (export and import) at an approximate cost of Tk 11.70 crore, sources said.
A committee was also formed to implement the project.
As a part of the reforms, steps have also been taken to check fraud practised by a section of dishonest importers in connivance with some Pre-shipment Inspection (PSI) companies.
Two meetings will be held every month in this regard and instant meeting in case of detection of any such fraud.
The monthly meetings and other punitive measures have started paying back and the number of writ petitions against PSI related cases have come down to two in July whereas some 30 to 40 petitions were lodged a month earlier.
Introduction of Direct Trade Input (DTI) and Management Information System (MIS) will help proper monitoring and check tax evasion, sources said.
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