Chamwe Kaira
The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) says delays experienced at major border posts following the rollout of the new automated system for customs data (ASYCUDA) have been resolved after staff worked around the clock to address technical problems.
NamRA officially upgraded and rolled out version 4.4.1 of the ASYCUDAWorld system on 5 May as part of its move toward a fully paperless customs environment.
NamRA commissioner Sam Shivute said the new system has already processed goods worth N$18 billion between 5 May and 17 May.
ASYCUDA is a computerised customs management platform developed by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development to help countries manage customs operations.
Shivute said the rollout caused delays at several border posts, including Katima Mulilo and Ariamsvlei, on 10 May. Truck congestion reportedly stretched between 100 kilometres and 167 kilometres during the disruptions.
He said the upgrade was necessary because the previous customs system was operating 11 versions behind.
Shivute said despite calls from some clearing agents in Walvis Bay to temporarily return to manual systems, NamRA would continue with the new platform.
“There is no going back to the old system,” he said.
Shivute stated that they have largely resolved the technical issues associated with the implementation.
He said one of the main advantages of the upgraded system is improved efficiency.
Shivute explained that customs clearance processes that previously required up to 100 pages of documents can now be completed using a single document under the new system.
NamRA also plans to reduce human interaction in customs processes through increased automation.
However, Shivute said automation would not result in job losses because the agency still needs additional staff to fulfil its tax collection and border management mandate.
“Our borders are very much functional,” Shivute said following last week’s congestion at border posts.
He added that NamRA will require more staff as it expands operations, including plans to run border posts on a 24-hour basis. Some workers will also need to be reskilled.
Shivute also raised concerns about cybersecurity, saying NamRA is strengthening systems to guard against cyberattacks.
“In terms of the database, NamRA is only second to the Ministry of Home Affairs in Namibia,” he said, stressing the importance of securing customs and taxpayer information.
According to NamRA, the upgraded system introduces improved functionality, faster processing and streamlined procedures aligned with international customs standards.
All trade-related transactions are now processed through the upgraded platform.
Under the new procedures, several documentation requirements have been digitised.
For transit, warehousing, re-importation and temporary import transactions, physical document submissions are no longer required. Stakeholders must submit declarations online, after which NamRA generates and stamps an electronic exit note.
All cargo leaving ports or land border posts must present the stamped exit note at gate offices.
For exports, including direct exports, ex-warehouse exports, re-exports and temporary exports, only online declarations will be accepted.
NamRA said cargo entering ports must present either a customs release order or a transit document at entry gates.
The agency stated that the changes aim to enhance trade facilitation, boost efficiency, and expedite the shift towards a completely paperless customs system.
