Brunei's Local News - Brudirect.com

Bandar Seri Begawan - Customs enforcement, collection of import and excise duty taxes, facilitation of commercial provider, excise and customs orders, tax exemption regulations and specialised allocations were the focus of a roadshow by the Royal Brunei Customs and Excise Department yesterday.

Present at the ceremony at its headquarters in JIn Menteri Besar was Awg Hj Mohammad Abdoh, Acting Controller of Customs and Excise Department.

The roadshow, which was attended by senior government officials, also highlighted the implementation of import and excise duty tax payment involving government departments, orders and regulations of prohibited goods and its particular relation to the issuance of licence and permits involving government departments as well as the implementation of the e-customs programme.

The roadshow is part of the department's efforts to disseminate information and enhance awareness on the roles and functions of the

department as well as customs orders and regulations.

Besides highlighting laws that have been implemented such as the Customs Order 2006, the Excise Order 2006, Customs Import Duty Order 2007 and Excise Duty Order 2007, there were other related regulations, which were also highlighted that are associated with the department such as the Emergency Order (halal meat) 1998, the Broadcasting Act and intellectual property rights.

During the roadshow, explanations were given on the items included under the Excise Tax, which were alcohol, cigarettes and other tobacco products as well as vehicles. Under the Customs Import Duty Order 2007 and the Excise Duty Order 2007, ministries or government departments are no longer exempted from customs and excise taxes as of January 1, 2008.

The talk also touched on prohibited and controlled products, which are illegal to bring in or import such as opium, java sparrows, undesirable publications, pigs and double banger firecrackers.

Also revealed were prohibited and controlled products that requires a licence and approval prior to bringing in or importing such as plants, livestock, rice, sugar, salt, chicken eggs, cigarettes and alcohol. Prohibited and controlled goods that are refrained from export include gravel and stone, rice, sugar, salt, petrol and cigarettes.

An explanation and update on the e-customs project was also given. Its objective is to provide an effective and efficient integrated system for better administrative and management excellence that is aligned with international best practices.

The project scope involves the development of a new customs information system (e-customs) in line with its business processes. These include re-engineering major business processes associated with the system requirements, change management and infrastructure upgrading. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin