In a comprehensive dialogue with Head of the customs authority Galal Abul Fetouh, the latter affirmed that the customs authority has become a state of the art entity that can compete with internationa...

In a comprehensive dialogue with Head of the customs authority Galal Abul Fetouh, the latter affirmed that the customs authority has become a state of the art entity that can compete with international authorities in view of the high tech formation, legislature and streamlined and adequate procedures applied. The head of the customs authority has announced that the development of the Alexandria customs outlet is a significant achievement as it will allow the release of 60% of total Egyptian trade.  He said that 60% of customs collection has been made available through the Alexandria port.  He said that the Dekheila customs outlet will be inaugurated in July after its development.‏ Abul Fetouh spoke of the latest developments in Alexandria, saying that a logistics center outside the customs zone has been set to deal with clients who submit their documents related to the release of goods without the need to enter into customs zone. These centers arrange for the transfer of documentation into the main information center without the interference of the client who can observe the procedures through a screen inside the logistics center.  The idea has been presented by the Ministry of Finance which has been urging for minimal interference of the human element in order to avoid errors.‏ The procedures will lead to customs release on imported goods in a matter of minutes.  Sample testing will proceed at the rate of 10% from the total lump amount of imported goods.  Once a match is found on the 10%, the release of goods is immediate. Mr. Abul Fetouh noted that the Egyptian customs has become an apparatus that is no longer feared by Egyptians as in older days but has re-invented itself as an apparatus that aims at facilitating international trade.  He said more work on devellping the customs outlet is being undertaken.‏ He said that unifying the working process inside customs centers is currently being addressed through the selection of an international company that has been selected through an international bid that will electronically linked through customs outlets to unify both the information received and the procedures implemented. Such simplification will include the possibility of releasing Alexandria goods by completion of the work process in Damietta as an example.‏ The head of the authority has noted that the problem in unifying the work process within the customs authority is the lack of proper links among the outlets.  He said the problem is being addressed.  He said the new customs law will address issues related to intellectual property rights, knock off imports, the risk department and the follow up sector.‏ He said the new law will tackle electronic trading and sharpening penalties on customs evasion particularly in the wake of facilities.  He said the customs tariff will be revised every five years in accordance with international regulations. With regards to the spinning and weaving factories that have had some queries, the Head of the Customs Authority has confirmed that the customs authority has paid its dues in this respect and that the customs authority is not authorized to protect the spinning industry.  He also noted that the new tariff has had a positive impact on the Egyptian consumer and a subsequent drop in prices on goods of up 25%. (source :Al-ahram)