The Solomon Islands Customs and Excise Division (SICED) recently met with key trade stakeholders to reinforce awareness of the processes and procedures relating to Time-Up or Uncleared (UCL) Goods and to ensure compliance with the Solomon Islands Customs and Excise Act (Cap 121) and Trade Regulations.
The purpose of the sessions was to help Customs clients better understand the laws, procedures, and processes relating to UCL goods, clarify their obligations under the Customs Act (Cap 121), prevent offences and penalties, and promote compliance within the trading community.
Customs Brokers, Freight Forwarders, Clearing Agents, key Importers (Consignees), and Shipping Agents attended the Sessions. Warehouse Keepers and Cargo Bonded Agents, such as Solomon Airlines and Solomon Ports, also participate in the briefing.
“The session puts me in a better position to understand the laws, procedures, and processes of Time Up/UCL goods,” Chris Fox Wao, Customs Clearance Clerk/Officer for Turu Value Company Ltd, highlighted.
“I worked 15 years with QQQ Holdings Ltd as a Customs Clearance Clerk/Officer and now 6 years with Turu Value Ltd, but I never knew about this Act.
“After the meeting, I’m now fully aware and understand the Act,” Wao added.
Brian Mathebula – Logistics Manager, for Express Freight Management (EFM) Solomon Islands, said the session was very beneficial as it provided an opportunity for participants and Customs to openly discuss operational challenges, compliance requirements, and possible improvements within the import and clearance processes.
“For my role, it helped me improve my understanding of current Customs expectations and regulatory updates.
“At the organizational level, the meeting strengthens communication, coordination, and working relationships between Freight Forwarders and Customs, which contributes to smoother logistics operations and better compliance outcomes,” said the EFM Logistics Manager, Mr. Mathebula.
The Logistics Manager, Mathebula, also acknowledges the Solomon Islands Customs and Excise Division for organizing the important information session.
Some of the key areas discussed and learnt during the session included:
- Customs compliance requirements and procedures.
- Importance of timely and accurate documentation submissions
- Communication and coordination between Freight Forwarders and Customs
- Updates on Import/Export Processes and Operational Procedures
- Areas requiring improvement to reduce delays and increase efficiency
The session created a platform between Customs and its Trading stakeholders to be informed. It was informative and interactive, providing a valuable platform for Shipping Agents and Freight Forwarders to share concerns and recommendations. Such engagements are important in building stronger Partnerships and improving service delivery across the Industry.
Under Section 83 of the Solomon Islands Customs Act (Cap 121), importers or consignees are required to clear goods within 10 days after arrival and unloading from a ship or aircraft. Failure to do so may result in the goods being transferred to the King’s Warehouse, a government-controlled storage facility. If all duties, penalties, and storage fees remain unpaid, the goods may be auctioned in accordance with Section 84 of the Act.
SICED remains committed to ensuring trade is safe, lawful, and efficient in accordance with the Customs Act (Cap 121) and international trade standards. The Division also continues to protect national borders and educate stakeholders on Customs and duty requirements.
Moving forward, the Solomon Islands Customs and Excise Division will focus on strengthening communication and timely information sharing between Customs and Importers, Continuous training sessions on compliance requirements, improving turnaround times for processing and clearances, enhancing digital systems and documentation processes, and regular consultations and meetings to address operational challenges and maintain strong collaborations.
A total of 35 participants attended the Briefing sessions.
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- SICED PRESS
With Photos
Mary Lemoa of Pan Pacific (the main Importer) asked a question during the Question-and-Answer (Q&A) and discussion session.
