Paperless Customs declaration system to be introduced from Oct. 1
Reported by NewsWire
6 hours ago
Sri Lanka will introduce a paperless Customs declaration system on October 1, 2023, as part of its digitalization drive. President's Secretary Nandika Sanath Kumanayake announced this at an awareness program, highlighting increased efficiency, transparency, and fraud prevention through digital signatures and the ASYCUDA integration.
President's Secretary Nandika Sanath Kumanayake stated that a paperless Customs declaration processing system will be launched on October 1, advancing the government's digitalisation of public services.
He made this announcement during an awareness programme on digital signatures and the paperless Customs declaration system held at the SEMA building auditorium in Colombo on September 28.
Kumanayake emphasized that digital transformation is crucial for Sri Lanka to align with global standards, noting that the new system will make Customs clearance more efficient, transparent, and faster while offering greater convenience to importers and exporters.
He explained that the system would prevent fraud and corruption by detecting any alterations made to documents after they have been digitally signed.
The President's Secretary assured that the introduction of digital signatures and the paperless system would not lead to job losses, stating that although the nature of work may change, the employment of Customs clearing agents would be safeguarded.
By integrating LankaSign digital signatures with the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA), all Customs documents can be submitted online in a secure and legally recognized manner.
Kumanayake stressed that the support of all stakeholders is essential for the successful implementation of the system starting October 1.
The awareness programme included detailed briefings on the process of submitting Customs documents electronically through the integration of LankaSign and ASYCUDA, along with discussions on its benefits and implementation.
Customs Director General Wimal Liyanagama, Director of the Revenue Administration Reform and Modernisation Bureau (RARMB) W.L.C. Thilakasiri, and LankaSign Senior Manager Nalaka Wijenayake also addressed the event.