BURS upgrade faces minor teething problems
| Tuesday January 17, 2017 14:44
As part of its 2014-2019 Strategic Plan, the tax agency has with effect from January 1, 2017 commenced the implementation of the CMS to replace the old system, ASCUDA.
The new CMS is expected to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the customs services offered by BURS, including enhanced capability for collection and accounting of customs duties and levies, improving border security, shortening time for goods clearance, introduction of National Single Window and interfacing with neighbouring countries.
In a statement, BURS said although clearing of all other goods has progressed well under the new system, clearing of imported vehicles has encountered challenges.
“The system is working well in terms of clearing all other goods imported and exported in and out of Botswana. However, there are some teething problems on the new CMS connection to the Department of Transport, Roads and Safety (DTRS) system making it difficult to clear vehicles getting into Botswana. BURS is working around the clock to resolve these teething connection problems.
“The advice that we can give to traders who would like to clear vehicles is to use other commercial borders where the old system is still being used. These are Tlokweng gate, Martins Drift, Ramatlabama, Ramokgwebana, Kazungula ferry and Kazungula road,” BURS said.
Implementation of the new system is being done in two phases, first as a pilot from January 1, 2017 at Pioneer Gate, Mamuno, SSK Airport, Gaborone Longroom and GabCon for a month. The second and final stage is scheduled to commence on February 1, 2017 to include all ports of entry.
The new CMS is web-based and requires its users such as clearing agents, importers/exporters, logistic companies, transporters/couriers to have registered for the BURS eServices Platform in order to access it and transact.
The expectation is that traders will benefit from the introduction of a National Single Window in the form of less paperwork, shorter time to obtain permits, certificates and licences, improved transparency, together with simpler and faster customs clearance.
On the other hand, government agencies will benefit from improved coordination at border controls, enhanced trade security, more efficient internal operations, increased revenues in some areas and better trade statistics.
“The idea is to reduce processes and documentation required when one is involved in trade through interfacing all government agencies involved. For example, when one imports a car, there will no longer be need for one to go and queue at BURS, police and then Department of Transport.
The plan is that when BURS receives the customs duty application, their system will link with police for clearance for the car and then the information is sent to the Department of Transport where the car will be registered. We want to do the same thing with other aspects of trade such as agriculture imports where you need a lot of permits.
We also want to rope in the banks for direct payments as well as courier companies,” BURS commissioner for customs and excise, Phodiso Valashia said recently. The interface of the Botswana and Namibia Customs IT systems will enable goods destined to Botswana, from Namibia, to be processed simultaneously in Botswana at the time that they are attended to in Namibia.
The intention of the part of BURS is that, over the coming years, the interface should be extended to cover the rest of Botswana’s neighbouring countries.