Customs PNG

Chief Commissioner, David Towe, said they have penalised “one of the main culprits” that was supplying cheap alcohol into communities.

Early this year, concerns were raised nationwide on the social issues brought about by the consumption of cheap alcohol.

Chief Commissioner of PNG Customs, David Towe, made this known at the Lae Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s business breakfast this morning at the Lae International Hotel.

On January 2017, PNG became the first Pacific country – outside of New Zealand and Australia – to install a K60 million container examination facility at Motukea, in the nation’s capital.

Speaking to Lae business houses, Towe said the return from this investment has been outstanding, with the detection of non-compliant cargoes and generally, a faster and accurate clearance of cargo.

Customs Chief Commissioner, Ray Paul, says: “You may be running away from Customs now but we will catch up with you.”

The Customs ASYCUDA System plays a big role in electronic reporting and processing system for all import, export and excise entries lodged with Customs for declaration.

“The system is very important and it’s from that system that Customs is able to pick up, profile and target all those that are not declared.”

Present to officiate the launch was Treasury Minister Patrick Pruaitch and Finance Minister James Marape.

Chief Commissioner for Customs PNG, Ray Paul says the total cost of the examination facility according to the contract cost Customs PNG about K30 million.

Customs PNG has gone into an arrangement with a company where Customs will be leasing the facility on an annual basis to them for the next 10 to 15 years.

“Customs PNG intends to own this after some 10 to 20 years down the line through another understanding with them,” Paul said.