Customs and Excise Department Launches e-Payment Portal

The Customs and Excise Department hosted its week of activities as part of the global celebration for International Customs Day on January 26, officially launching its e-payment portal, which is expected to significantly advance the operations of the department.

The e-Payment Portal allows brokers and importers to pay customs duties and taxes online using credit or debit cards thus eliminating the need for in-person visits.

It was developed as a component of the Vincy Single Window for Trade (VSWIFT), a component under the Caribbean Digital Transformation Project (CARDTP) and is expected to reduce delays in customs clearance, with the overall objective to build a transparent digital payment system.

Cross-border traders will be able to make a single submission of import and export documentation without having to go to multiple locations across different government agencies to obtain licences, permits, certificates and other documents to fulfil regulatory requirements.

Comptroller of Custom, Selwyn DaSilva, said “The Customs e-Payment Portal marks a new era of efficiency in trade facilitation. It aligns with our commitment to leveraging technology to enhance service delivery, improve compliance, and support economic growth”.

During the week, sensitization sessions were held with stakeholders after which the Department will share a manual to advise the public on the portal.

The week of activities also included an Exhibition at the Ministerial Car park on January 28 in collaboration with partner agencies.

This year’s International Customs Day was held under the theme, “Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity.”