Latest news with #ASYCUDA
Shafaq News
3 days ago
- Business
- Shafaq News
Iraq enforces unified customs tariff at all border crossings, including Kurdistan
Shafaq News/ Iraq's Ministry of Finance, through the General Commission of Customs, has begun implementing a new, unified customs tariff across all border crossings and customs centers, including those in the Kurdistan Region. The Commission stated that the revised valuation system is based on Cabinet Resolution No. 270 of 2023 and recommendations from the Economic Ministerial Council. The update is designed to standardize procedures and curb manipulation in customs valuations—particularly for imported vehicles and goods entering through northern borders. "We provided the Ministry of Trade with a digital copy of the reference pricing lists to help synchronize implementation across all entry points." Implementation will follow jointly approved price lists agreed with the Kurdistan Region on December 19, 2023, using reference tables from 2022 and 2024. In cases of discrepancy between invoice values and average international prices listed in the ASYCUDA system, the higher value will be applied. A source from the Northern Customs Directorate told Shafaq News that the tariff took effect on Monday, June 2, 2025. Customs checkpoints in Kirkuk, particularly at Jemen and Darman, have tightened inspection protocols in line with the new regulations. The recent visit of Border Crossings Authority Director Omar al-Waeli to these checkpoints was aimed at reinforcing compliance with the updated system. Economic analyst Abdullah Hussein described the unification of tariffs between the federal government and the Kurdistan Region as a significant reform. He noted that previous inconsistencies in valuation created vulnerabilities in the national economy, and that the new approach is expected to close gaps and ensure fairer trade practices.
Iraqi News
09-05-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
Finance Minister Announces Increase in Customs Revenues Following Implementation of "ASYCUDA" System
Baghdad – INA Finance Minister Taif Sami announced on Friday a significant increase in customs revenues following the implementation of the ASYCUDA customs automation system, with a recorded rise of over 59 billion IQD. In a statement to the Iraqi News Agency (INA), Sami said, 'Customs revenues prior to the implementation of the ASYCUDA system totaled 375,675,732,360 IQD. After its implementation, revenues increased to 435,421,672,805 IQD — an increase of 59,745,940,445 IQD.' She noted that the General Customs Authority has rolled out the ASYCUDA system at 15 customs centers, including: Air Cargo Customs, Dry Port, Baghdad International Airport Terminal, Grand Welcome Yard, Trebil, Safwan, Arar, North and South Umm Qasr, Kirkuk Airport, Zurbatiya, Al-Munthiriya, Mendili, Al-Sheeb, and Al-Shalamcheh. Sami added that the authority has now commenced the second phase of the system's implementation, which will span two years and include eight additional customs centers. This phase also involves integrating 12 electronic applications with the system — such as land transport clearance, valuation system, smart selectivity, exemptions, licenses, and certifications — to ensure full integration with all government ministries.
Saba Yemen
08-05-2025
- Business
- Saba Yemen
Matrix of Training Programs for Transitioning to Modern Customs Administration
Sana'a – Saba: Mansour Al-Haith The Yemen Customs Authority has recognized that advancing and modernizing customs operations requires extensive training and capacity building for its workforce. This aligns with the sector's evolving demands, the directives of the revolutionary leadership and the Supreme Political Council, as well as the Reform and Development Government's program to enhance customs services—ensuring citizens' transactions are processed efficiently, seamlessly, and swiftly. To ensure the sustainability of modernization efforts in customs operations, the Authority has shifted toward laying the foundations for a transition from traditional, routine administration to modern management. It has mobilized all available resources to build the skills and efficiency of its personnel across the central office and all customs offices and centers. A comprehensive training plan has been developed, tailored to strategic objectives to enhance the workforce's professional, technical, and administrative capabilities. Engineer Adel Margham, Head of the Customs Authority, stated that between January 2023 and February 2025, the Authority conducted 71 training programs across various areas of customs operations, including foundational programs aimed at establishing the pillars of modern customs management. A total of 3,186 customs employees and private sector partners were trained during this period, including 761 in January and February 2025 alone. Engineer Margham noted that the training matrix was designed to support the nature of customs work, which requires an effective environment for successful modern management capable of implementing procedures with complete transparency. The implemented training programs marked a significant turning point toward a new era of customs operations. The Authority continues to prioritize human capital development, recognizing it as the cornerstone for achieving sustainable development and realizing the desired institutional transformation. This transformation is based on values of integrity and transparency, aiming to reduce corruption and foster a genuine partnership with traders, importers, and related entities. Partner Training As part of its move toward modern customs management, the Authority conducted ten training courses for private sector partners, targeting 403 participants including customs brokers and representatives of commercial companies. These sessions introduced participants to the services and functionality of the Yemeni Single Window Clearance System, officially launched by Prime Minister Ahmed Al-Rahwi on January 27. Additionally, two training programs in customs clearance were held for 143 participants from the private sector working in customs clearance offices. Training Programs Overview A recent report issued by the Customs Cultural Institute detailed the types of training conducted in 2023 and 2024. These covered administrative, skill-based, computer-based programs, ASYCUDA (Automated System for Customs Data), customs clearance, and specialized technical, cultural, and procedural training for employees. The training programs conducted in January and February 2025 included areas such as customs inspection, auditing and adjustment, programming environments, and training of trainers (ToT). Engineer Margham highlighted that these specialized programs targeted various levels within the customs system, contributing to increased professional awareness, improved field performance, and better alignment with technical and procedural updates. He emphasized that the training matrix is part of the broader renaissance project for building a modern Yemeni state—a vision laid down by the late President Saleh Al-Sammad. The Authority has also equipped the Customs Cultural Institute with all necessary resources, including training equipment, prepared classrooms, and practical labs to simulate and implement real customs field procedures. E. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print more of (Reports)
Ammon
30-04-2025
- Business
- Ammon
Gov't unveils major transport upgrades and logistics reforms in 2025
Ammon News - Jordan is accelerating its transport and logistics modernization drive, according to the Q1 2025 report under the Executive Program of the Economic Modernization Vision (2023–2025).The report outlines key regulatory, digital, and infrastructure developments aimed at transforming the Kingdom into a competitive regional logistics and Trade FacilitationAmong the major legislative steps, the amended 2025 Customs Law received approval to align with post-clearance audit newly commissioned Anti-Smuggling and Escort Facility in Al-Sultani now serves as a key monitoring point for outbound truck traffic, offering enhanced inspection capacity and overnight parking facilities to improve safety for drivers and customs report highlighted the trial launch of the ASYHUB Maritime platform at Aqaba Customs a cloud-based system for maritime trade data exchange. Concurrently, the "Golden List" module was activated within the ASYCUDA system to enhance risk profiling, and a new ASYEXPRESS electronic clearance system for air cargo is undergoing final technical testing in its pilot Infrastructure and Smart GatewaysProgress continues on the first phase of the Durra Border Crossing passenger terminal, covering infrastructure development and architectural plans for both cargo and passenger zones. In parallel, Jordan launched its Smart Customs Gateways Project in Aqaba to digitize freight flow and optimize inspection financial and legal frameworks for the Multipurpose Port project were finalized, and tenders for the BOT operation of King Hussein International Airport have been launched. Jordan also completed economic feasibility studies for urban transport reform in Irbid and Zarqa and assessed the viability of a dedicated air freight center at Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA). Additionally, solar energy installation works inside QAIA were finalized, in line with sustainability and Free Zone DevelopmentIn logistics real estate, Jordan advanced the Madhouneh Land Redistribution Plan, completing the masterplan and financial feasibility review. Meanwhile, under the national rail project, the design phase for the Phosphate Railway Line was completed, with the Potash Line expected by Q2. Conceptual designs for loading/unloading stations at mines and the industrial port were also regulations were prepared to update maritime agency licensing laws, while 95 percent of embankment work around runway 24 at Amman Civil Airport/Marka was completed as part of airside Transport and Public-Private PartnershipsThe Amman-Zarqa Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project was formally included in the National Register of Government Projects as a PPP-qualified initiative. Updated feasibility studies and tender documents for fare collection and operations are being new transport companies were initiated to operate key provincial routes connecting Amman to Karak, Irbid, Salt, and Jerash with additional companies for Salt–Amman and Karak–Amman in also floated a tender to build ready-to-lease warehouses in the QAIA Free Zone, signed contracts to prepare the economic feasibility of revamping the Amman Central Market, and launched a study to activate BRT Line 7 connecting Raghadan Terminal to Sweileh and Regional IntegrationThe amended Air Services Agreement Protocol with the UAE entered into force, and a draft bilateral agreement with Saudi Arabia was finalized. These moves fall within Jordan's broader strategy to liberalize air transport under reciprocal open skies Modernization and Digital MappingAs part of the Truck Fleet Renewal Program, 231 freight vehicles were modernized. Simultaneously, Jordan employed AI-powered road condition mapping, completing detailed surveys of 2,000 km of primary roads. A tender was issued to build a new access road connecting northern Karak villages to the regional transport Waste and Road DevelopmentKey milestones included awarding the East Amman Transfer Station upgrade project and launching tenders for a biological-mechanical waste treatment facility. Conceptual engineering and economic models for King Abdullah II Road redevelopment were also finalized and formally registered as a PPP project. Additionally, the first phase of the Jaber Border Terminal Masterplan was Optimization and Maintenance ProgramsA tender for advertising investments along Airport Road was awarded. Meanwhile, Jordan signed a grant agreement to procure new maintenance machinery under its Central Workshop Development
Scoop
23-04-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Web Story: Evidence-based Decision Making Made Easier In FSM
Press Release – ASYCUDA Pacific Regional Office The ASYCUDA Dashboard is a tool that ensures transparency for our Administrations Management, giving them direct access to the data, Mr. David explained. One year ago, the Customs and Tax Administration (CTA) of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) introduced the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) backed ASYCUDA system, automating customs processes. Since its implementation, the trading community has greatly benefited from the system's ability to streamline and expedite customs clearance. Additionally, the ASYCUDA Dashboard feature has brought greater transparency and improved accuracy in data reporting for the CTA management. Mr. Van David, a Data Analyst in the Federated States of Micronesia, noted that the country was fortunate to implement the Dashboard soon after it introduced ASYCUDA, as it provided significant advantages in reporting. 'The ASYCUDA Dashboard is a tool that ensures transparency for our Administration's Management, giving them direct access to the data,' Mr. David explained. Previously, data would be extracted and manually presented to the management team. However, with the ASYCUDA Dashboard in place, management now has immediate, real-time access to the data. 'Now, when we submit monthly reports, management can directly compare the data and verify its accuracy,' Mr. David said. 'The ability of the Dashboard to drill down into specific data as needed has significantly simplified the reporting process for the ASYCUDA team in FSM, transforming what used to be a cumbersome task into a seamless operation.' 'Though we are still new to both ASYCUDA, we recognize that there are additional features that could further enhance our operations in the future. The addition of the Dashboard has already been an immense advantage for us in FSM,' Mr. David concluded. The successful automation of the FSM Customs Administration was made possible through the support of the European Union-funded Improving Pacific Islands Customs and Trade (IMPACT) Project, implemented by the UN Trade and Development.
