STAFF from Solomon Islands Customs and Excise Division (SICED) together with Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) have conducted multiple awareness sessions for more than 127 ongoing and new recruit workers under the current Pacific Australia Labor Mobility (PALM) at their Pre-Departure sessions last month.
Officers from Communications and Outreach Team of the Custom’s Reform and Support Department successfully delivered these two (2) awareness talks for those travelling workers at their Pre-Departure briefing sessions.
The sessions aimed to inform those travellers regarding the relevant information on the roles and functions of Customs in regard to revenue collection, Border Protection, Travel Restrictions and moreover on Customs Declarations on Pre-departure and pre-arrival checks.
As one of the Leading Border Agencies and Revenue Collectors in the Solomon Islands, Customs shared information on revenue collection, Duty Assessment and Valuation (CIF), Dutiable Goods, Border Protection, Travel Restrictions and Prohibited Imports and Exports Goods, which includes Restricted Imports and Exports Items.
Participants also learnt about Customs Requirement for Passovers, such as Receipts for Duty Assessment and its calculations; Customs Declarations and how to complete a mandated Customs Declaration and its Requirements.
“It is timely for Customs & Excise Division to get involved with other government stakeholders to inform both travellers and the general public about our expectations at the Customs control areas such as at the International Airport,” Alice Saefo’oa National Manager for Customs Reform and Support Unit highlighted.
“At the airport, officers will meet different types of travelling passengers, such as returning citizens, business people, tourists and leisure travellers, students or government officials.
“Therefore, for the smooth facilitation of trade, travellers and the general public, need to understand the passenger (duty free) concessions as well.
“One of the objectives of processing passengers at the International Airport is the facilitation of passengers of low risk whilst focussing on the identification and interception of Prohibited and Restricted items.
“Additionally, Customs is carrying out Risk Assessments of passengers according to the information provided on the Incoming Passenger Declaration card,” the National Manager revealed.
Under the Customs & Excise Act (cap 121) section 233 it is a legal requirement that all goods subject to the Customs laws may be subject to examination.
The general public and travellers must adhere and fully understand the functions and roles of Customs to ensure a smooth traveller experience.
“The Customs & Excise Division has made a commitment with the Labour Mobility Unit for the continuation of awareness sessions to the successful applicants of the Labour Mobility scheme in the future,” Ms. Saefo’oa added.
The Solomon Islands Customs and Excise Division (SICED) is a key contributor in the Government’s commitment to maximising revenue, facilitating trade and protecting the border from the illegal movement of goods, aircraft and vessels and people for the safety of the nation.
SICED ensures compliance with border related laws and administers a range of programs to assist local industries in contributing to economic growth.
The Solomon Islands economy depends on the continued improvement of trade and SICED is committed to its role in facilitating movement of legitimate international trade whilst identifying and responding to non-compliance with the laws of the Solomon Islands.
