The Role of Customs-port Cooperation in Implementing a PCS : Port Community Systems (English)

Customs and port authorities share the infrastructure of trade facilitation. Ports provide the backdrop in which customs and other cross-border regulatory agencies implement their regulations. Those regulations cover a wide range of topics including taxation, health, safety, security, and the environment. Legislation drives the oversight of the regulatory agencies. Ports and airports host and support the physical and operational infrastructure for the movement of goods, passengers and means of transport (vessels/ barges/trains/trucks) and crew. Building a strong collaboration between the port authorities and Customs is vital. Port authorities and Customs (along with other border control authorities) must collaborate on the business processes for the clearance formalities of vessels and cargo. Ports and Customs must synchronize their regulatory procedures and clearance formalities, while also ensuring that the operations are optimized and remain efficient. A PCS helps ports and Customs 'to be on the same page' and implement joined-up procedures based on shared data. Finally, ICT systems of ports and Customs must interoperate to cover the complement of port operations. Several entities are situated at the port in their capacity as contractors (tugboat operators, bunker fuel suppliers, ship chandlers) and concessionaires (e.g., terminal operators). The automated systems operated by these entities also link in the handling of vessel, cargo and passenger operations. Likewise, apart from Customs, there are several other regulatory authorities such as immigration, health, security and environment that must work closely to support automated handling.