Customs reform Unit | overview

Customs Reforms Department

overview:

The Customs reforms unit has been the major force accelerating and expediting the reform process in the Afghanistan Customs Department. It has achieved tangible progress since its inception and has acted as a catalyst in the development of Afghanistan Customs. For effective reforms CURE has done a considerable work. Based on the past three years contribution of CURE in implementing, managing and coordinating the reforms activity it was decided to further strengthen this unit of ACD. The Strategic Focus of CURE will be Strategic planning, performance measurement, monitoring all reforms activity, coordinating reforms, Implementation and providing support and advice to the Deputy Minister and Director General of ACD on reforms.

achievements:

Some of the milestones achieved due to active involvement of CURE are:

• Infrastructure development , construction of new Custom Houses at  Torkham, Jalalabad, Kabul,  Hyrataan, Sher Khan Bandar, Isamqala etc. Refurbishment  and renovations of Customs buildings and offices.

• Implementation of ASYCUDA module of Transit and Declaration processing System at the major Custom stations.

• Finalisation , approval and implementation of Customs code.

• Approval of Valuation regulation, Administration and arbitration regulation and its implementation.

• Drafting and approval of almost 29 Standard Customs procedures for effecting and regulating the Customs operations .

• Establishment of a Customs Training Institute and effective completion of  different training programs for the Customs officials in country and abroad.

• Operationalisation of the enforcement units such as the Customs Mobile verification Units across the country.

• Effective donor coordination by organizing meetings and taking  follow up actions on the decisions taken. Review of progress of reform related activities and proposing for arranging funds for the reform projects.

• Afghanistan joining World Customs Organization. The request for membership of World Trade Organization made to the WTO head-quarters.

• Trade Facilitation measures undertaken such as simplification of procedures, reduction of customs clearance time, better Infrastructure, buildings , operationalization of Help Desk and dissemination of information.

• Provided effective recommendations for improving the reporting mechanism of  the regional Customs directorates and suggesting the formats for the reporting mechanism.

• Designing, operationalization and upgrading of ACD website.

future plans:

The future is full of challenges for the Afghan Customs Department , the road to progress is full of many pitfalls, sharp turns and obstacles. The momentum of reforms needs to be kept at a faster pace in all areas. However, the major areas where CURE , Customs reforms unit can play a major  monitoring role  for accelerating the reforms projects are:

• Chalking out a work plan and Implementation plan for the future infrastructure programs and monitoring of the development of construction work in progress.

• Reforming and reorganizing of the enforcement directorates and its mobile Verification teams on modern lines. Helping in Strengthening of the enforcement component of ACD and making it an efficient and exemplary force. 

• Monitoring and suggesting ways for improving the performance of the different directorates of Customs, operational at the head quarters.

• Monitoring the training related activities,  providing support in designing of training modules and courses as well as  coordinating with training directorate for the  preparation  of a time table for training of Customs officials of all the directorates .

• Donor co-ordination by arranging and organizing meetings, taking follow up actions for the implementation of agreed decisions. Taking active participation in ICN ( Informal Customs Network ) meetings. Preparation of  comments, views and replies for the donor reports and Aid-memoires. Coordination with donors in ensuring timely implementation of plans, gap analysis, identification of new projects and other related activities

• Improving the reporting mechanism of the regional Customs directorates, suggesting the formats for the reporting mechanism and providing analysis reports as required by the DG office.

• Identifying a road map for the implementation of the different modules of ASYCUDA across the country and specifying the timelines for implementation of the same. Providing active feed back on the performance of the different modules of ASYCUDA and suggesting the required improvements.

•  Monitoring the revenue performance of the different directorates vis a vis their assigned targets. Suggesting ways and advising the directorates for the improvement of revenue.  Revenue fore-casting, data collection and reporting regarding monthly, quarterly and annual revenue collections.

• Coordinating and expediting the finalization of pending Customs procedures and guidelines. Expediting the approval of the finalized procedures. Coordinating with the relevant advisors in drafting more procedures and amending prevalent procedures for smooth and efficient operations.

• Affecting the implementation of Approved Customs Procedures at all directorates across the country. Monitoring the implementation of Customs code, Tariff and Customs procedures uniformly at all directorates across the country.

• Coordinating with regional directors and ACD staff for implementation of reforms  objectives .

• Development and improvement of Customs website with active feed back from different directorates, advisors and regional directorates.

• Suggesting Trade facilitation measures   as per international best practices in Customs operations.

• Coordinating the reform efforts/ activities of different donors and their deputed advisors in the different areas of reforms for avoiding conflict and duplication of work.

The CURE unit had been very instrumental at the head quarters in steering the reforms initiatives , projects and goals. Under the active support, guidance and supervision of the Deputy Minister of  Finance and the Director General of Customs the unit kept the pace of reforms active and alive.