Customs Reform and Modernisation in Dominica

The reform and modernisation of Customs and Excise in Dominica is being conducted as part of the government’s Growth and Social Protection Strategy (GSPS). The start of the process dates back the 2nd quarter of 2004 however the reform initiatives were not sustainable due to the absence of ongoing technical and financial support. The strengthening of the Customs & Excise Division was identified then as a priority intended to bring about:

  • Faster clearance times
  • Improved services to trading public
  • Increased revenue collection
  • Better HR management
  • Greater reliance on information technology
  • Introduction of risk management,
  • Post auditing and other innovations.

As of June 2008, Mr Claude A Paul, former Comptroller of Customs from Saint Lucia was appointed as Director of Customs Reform to guide the modernisation efforts over the next two years. The reform of Customs is based on international best practice including the WCO’s Capacity Building Strategy adjusted to suit the operational environment within the Commonwealth of Dominica in particular and the Caribbean region generally.

  • To date the Director and his team have been researching and documenting the existing systems and consulting with staff.

  • A new organisational structure has been approved and redesigned to incorporate new management and supervisory positions.

  • A detailed Project Plan has been approved and implementation is well underway.

  • A Public Education Campaign will soon be launched as part of the efforts to improve compliance levels and the relationship between Customs and the trading community.

Government has provided office accommodation, furniture and state of the art computer equipment for the Reform Project team in a recently refurbished building. The Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica in partnership with the EU and the World Bank has committed significant financial resources to the Customs Reform Project. The Government has also signed an agreement with UNCTAD to undertake the migration to ASYCUDA World in Dominica. The work involved will be tasked to the ASYCUDA Project Team consisting of Information Technology Professionals and experienced customs officers. They are assigned to work with the Director and officials from UNCTAD to customise and install the software and set a clear road map for the full implementation of ASYCUDA World over a period of twenty four months beginning December2008. It is anticipated that training of customs staff and other users of the system will take place in the first half of 2009 with the implementation of the Phase I of ASYCUDA World scheduled for September 2009 at the Deep Water Harbour. A full description of the implementation of ASYCUDA World can be found in the ASYCUDA World Project Description.

Some of the other reform initiatives taking place alongside the migration to ASYCUDA World is being facilitated through technical assistance provided by CARTAC including: the introduction of risk management, enhancement of the enforcement capacity of CED, and the development of a Corporate Plan. CARTAC has also agreed to support professional attachments in other regional countries, legal expertise to facilitate a review of the customs legislation as well as post audit, project management and supervisory training.

In addition to the above, the Customs Reform project will address management and organisational issues, general staff training, review of processes and procedures, external cooperation, public education, integrity, compensation and other staff benefits.

The Customs & Excise Division plays an important role in implementing Government’s fiscal policy objectives, in facilitating trade and providing valuable support to national security efforts. For this reason the reform of Customs is considered critical for improving the trade competiveness and the overall well being of Dominica. Government and the staff of the Customs & Excise Division therefore remains committed to ensuring the successful implementation of this project.

For more information, contact:

Customs Reform and Modernisation Project
Customs House
Deep Water Harbour
Fond Colé
Commonwealth of Dominica
Telephone: (767) 266- 3708
Fax: (767) 440-6839
E-mail: director_cr@cwdom.dm