The Customs and Excise Department (CED) has officially launched the upgraded ASYCUDA World 4.4 system, marking a significant step in the modernization of customs operations and trade facilitation in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The new platform, which went live on June 8, introduces paperless processing for Commercial Entries and Entries for Home Use, replacing traditional document-heavy procedures with a fully digital customs management system.
According to Customs officials, the transition is expected to improve efficiency, reduce processing times and provide a more transparent experience for importers, exporters, customs brokers and other stakeholders involved in trade.
Under the new system, declarations, supporting documents and approvals can now be submitted, reviewed and processed electronically, eliminating the need for physical paperwork in many transactions.
The launch also introduces secure electronic payment options through GovPay via the Customs online portal, allowing duties and taxes to be paid digitally rather than through in-person cash office transactions.
Customs says the upgraded platform will deliver several benefits to the trading community, including faster cargo clearance, improved data accuracy, enhanced transparency and the ability for authorized users to access the system from anywhere with an internet connection.
Stakeholders will also be able to monitor the status of declarations in real time and access historical transaction records through the online platform.
Comptroller of Customs Selwyn Da Silva described the launch as a major milestone in the evolution of customs services in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
“The go-live of ASYCUDA World 4.4 represents a major milestone for the Customs & Excise Department and for trade facilitation in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,” Da Silva said.
He added that the move to a paperless environment will create a more efficient, transparent and modern customs service while strengthening compliance and revenue administration.
To support users during the transition period, Customs has established a dedicated ASYCUDA Help Desk at its headquarters in Kingstown. The support service will operate from June 8 to June 19 and provide assistance to importers, exporters, brokers and customs agents requiring technical guidance.
The ASYCUDA World 4.4 upgrade was implemented through a partnership involving the Caribbean Digital Transformation Project, VSWIFT (Vincy Single Window for Trade), and ASYCUDA, the customs management platform developed by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
Officials say the initiative forms part of a broader effort to modernize government services, improve trade efficiency and support the development of a more competitive digital economy in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.