Maldives Customs has announced the upcoming introduction of a ‘simplified declaration’ mechanism aimed at streamlining the payment of import duty. This new system will enable private citizens importing goods for personal use to declare and pay duty via their mobile phones, eliminating the need for a broker.
Speaking to local media on Monday night, Customs’ Superintendent Ali Zubair outlined the benefits of this initiative. He explained that the ‘simplified declaration’ mechanism is expected to be rolled out within the next two months. Currently, individuals are required to submit a form through a broker to declare goods and pay import duty. The new system will significantly reduce the time and complexity involved in this process.
“We expect to be able to introduce simplified declaration within the next two months, allowing people to submit information and declare their goods by themselves using their mobile phones without needing to involve a Customs broker or any other party,” said Zubair.
Zubair highlighted that Customs frequently receives complaints about the inability to track the status of imported goods. He noted that the involvement of brokers often complicates the process, leading to delays. The failure to declare goods properly or provide the necessary information to Customs also contributes to these delays. Customs requires this information to set prices, rank goods, and determine the appropriate duty rate.
The introduction of the ‘simplified declaration’ mechanism is expected to address many of these issues. By allowing individuals to handle declarations directly via their mobile phones, the process will become more transparent and efficient.
Furthermore, goods imported for personal use valued up to MVR 10,000 are exempt from import duty, providing additional convenience for small-scale importers.
With this new system, Maldives Customs aims to enhance efficiency, reduce delays, and improve overall customer satisfaction in the importation process.
