Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the world over has struggled under the new regulations imposed by different countries and regions in terms of processing of import and exports. The second COVID-19 wave brought on strict regulations, which caused several setbacks in clearing imported goods. These setbacks faced since March of 2020, it was evident that certain processes needed to be adapted to face the evolving changes and thus, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority has made steps to accept electronic payments to clear imported goods to cut down processing time.
However, in mid-December of 2020, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority made remedies to safeguard employees as well as to ensure continued operations to a normal level with various contingencies with support from all three terminals. Furthermore, at the end of 2020, the SLPA has also declared an essential service which has eased continued operations and services provided.
With the implementation of electronic payments to clear goods that have been imported, importers are able easily to make payments via the internet from the comfort of their home or office without the need to make manual payment fast-tracking the process. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and the alternate measures that need to be taken to further economic progress, the electronic payment for clearing imported goods will be beneficial to many awaiting their goods immediately. The clearance of FCL and LCL cargo through the various clearance agencies varied via the SLPA can now be done without hassle, efficiently.
Part of the cargo clearing process includes having the ASYCUDA (Automated System for Customs Data) CUSDEC (Customs Declaration) has to be prepared in 4 copies (Warrant copy, Delivery Copy, Exchange Copy, Party’s Copy). CUSDEC can be processed either at Customs Long Room (Katunayake), or Importers office to whom the DTI (Direct Trader Input) facility has been given.
Choose Transco Cargo’s customs clearance and brokerage service with doorstep delivery services to reduce the hassle in getting your imported goods cleared to you.