Selective sealing of containers results in time-savings for traders
Singapore Customs’ new system of container clearance for dutiable goods modernises cargo clearance procedures and cuts waiting time for traders. Since October 2008, Singapore Customs has carried out selective sealing of incoming containers carrying dutiable goods destined for licensed premises. This selective sealing has resulted in the streamlining of work processes for traders, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and Singapore Customs.
Singapore Customs’ new system of selective sealing of containers translates into time-savings for traders.
Previously, all such incoming containers were sealed at the checkpoints. Traders were only
notified of whether Customs supervision was required for the unstuffing of the containers upon their application to Singapore Customs after the containers had arrived at their licensed premises. This process resulted in uncertainty for traders and unnecessary delays in the unstuffing of containers for which Customs supervision was not eventually required.
Singapore Customs carried out a review and developed a more efficient system involving selective sealing of containers. The new process provides a total change in approach, where only containers that have been identified for unstuffing under Customs supervision are sealed at the checkpoints. Hence traders need only apply for supervision for the unstuffing of these containers.
This revised procedure, which builds on computer linkage with the port operators, also results in faster clearance of containers at the checkpoints. Incoming containers that are to be unstuffed under Customs supervision are directed to the Red Channel by the Port System for sealing by ICA officers. Containers that are not selected for examination are directed by the Port System for clearance at the Green Channel. The lower volume of containers directed to the Red Channels means a smoother flow of cargo traffic through the Red Channel.
Feedback from traders on the new container clearance procedure has been positive. Oceanic Trading Company Pte Ltd, which operates a licensed warehouse, is one such company that has benefited from the new system and feels that it is a step in the right direction. Said its Director Mr Yeo Boon Seng, “The new system has many advantages. It enables faster stuffing/unstuffing operations for unsealed containers without the need for prior customs clearance, saves supervision cost by importers, and allows better planning of work schedule and allocation of manpower by warehouse operators.”
