Tiraspol, 26 January. /Novosti Pridnestrovya/. Today, 26 January, is International Customs Day. Traditionally, on the eve of this day the leadership of the World Customs Organisation announces the slogan for the current year. This time it is "Digital Customs: Progressive Engagement".
Digital customs means automated or online operations which promote the efficiency and coordination of customs operations, such as computer-based systems of customs clearance, single window services, online exchange of information, the development of websites for providing information and promoting transparency, as well as the use of smartphones.
The automation of Pridnestrovie's customs began 24 years ago with the installation of several computers. There was no special software then. Now all units of the State Customs Committee of the PMR are computerised, and its computer-based system meets all standards valid in the post-Soviet states.
The customs are also equipped with the online system of declaration of goods. The development of the project of an advance notification system and customs operations log, which will replace the outdated Unified Automated Information System, is nearing completion. The implementation of this project will considerably reduce the time needed for customs clearance and control of cargoes.
The same targets were defined by the SCC leadership when GPS trackers came into use. Exporters and importers appreciated this innovation which has become an alternative to the traditional customs expediting of cargoes and vehicles passing through the customs territory of Pridnestrovie. The practice of using GPS trackers will be extended in 2016, the SCC press service reports.
Owing to the development of information technologies, the ministry is implementing a managerial decision support system. Stage by stage, a new complex of 1C-based software products, including such configurations as HR Department, Budgeting and Planning, Accounts, Automated System of Registering Customs Breaches, etc, is being put into effect to automate customs operations. SCC specialists have begun to develop software for keeping unified accounts in all spheres of customs activities.
One of the priorities for Pridnestrovie's customs authorities this year is the implementation of the online documentation of all customs operations and the development of a specialised document management system. The integral part of this project is a payment accounting system which will enable any economic agent to obtain full information of the payments he made.
The international customs practice shows that the automation of customs operations reduces administrative obstacles and promotes business development.
