Dinesh De Silva, the Chairman of the Import Section of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce says, having an understanding of Customs Valuation, will help importers avoid under valuation, which puts them in great difficulty.

He also says, in order to avoid issues such as, under valuation, delayed clearance of goods on arrival, Importers should understand the aspects of, pricing, values, valuation system and correct declaration to Customs.

De Silva made these comments, while delivering the opening speech at an Interactive Forum organized by the Import Section of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce on “Customs Valuation”, which was addressed by Customs officials, including its Director General, Jagath Wijeweera.

Further speaking at the forum, De Silva also said,“As all of you know importers of this country on a daily basis go through large amount of issues with regard to the values of their imports. These sudden issues very largely contribute to under valuation with or without the knowledge of the importer. Therefore, we, as import section of CCC clearly knowing the difficulties face by the members in the trade wants to create a platform to raise the knowledge of the importers in these critical areas.”

During the forum, M Ravindra Kumar, Deputy Director of Customs and M. M. M. Rishafy, Director of Customs (Industries & Services) explained the Need of a Valuation System, Rights & Obligations of an importer, Changes - Customs (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 2003, Correct Procedure, WTO Customs Valuation, HS Ruling, Green Channel and Case Studies.

Speaking at the Forum, Director General of the Customs Jagath Wijeweera highlighted the importance of importers adopting the ‘informed compliance’.

He said “To achieve this goal, all stake holders must necessarily understand the rather complex rules of valuation’’.

Wijeweera said Sri Lanka Customs have taken steps to offer the genuine importers to enjoy the green channel facility.

Whilst thanking Sri Lanka Customs De Silva noted that under the leadership of Wijeweera, today the working environment of Sri Lanka Custom has totally changed. We can even approach Customs officers at any time to resolve our operational issues. Import Section is hoping to have a closer dialogue with Sri Lanka Customs in the future to have smooth flow of import procedure facilitating the trade effectively.

The forum was well attended and was conducted on last Thursday at the Chamber premises.