(DTIS) Update, Volume 1 – Main report - Enhanced Integrated ...

In its Strategic Plan 2011-2015, the OBR clearly refers to its regulatory tasks and facilitation of trade forboth the flow of goods, and the collection of fees and duties, based on clear regulations and proceduresthat are consistent and well known. In this regard, the establishment of the OBR has helped modernizecustoms. It has made trade more transparent through the dissemination of information, treaties andregulations, as well as through the application of expedited and simplified customs clearance procedures,enabled by the intensive use of information technology.Since its introduction, OBR has made several advances of significance to trade facilitation: improved transit management regime, especially through the Kobero border postThe waiving of VAT on products offered after receiving the EAC certificate of originHarmonization and definition of the rules on customs valuation, rules of origin, application ofrisk management methods for the abandonment of systematic physical control and the delay theyengendered.Preparation for the introduction of data sharing with other customs administrations at borderposts of importance, especially at Kobero;Introduction of simplified clearance procedures for specific types of traffic, such as petroleumproducts, at the border post of Kobero;Compulsory registration of customs declarants in a professional association and the gradualdisappearance of offices too small to be economically viable;In addition, OBR has also commissioned studies to introduce one stop border operations at the borderwith Tanzania at Kabanga/Kobero, where a feasibility study is planned. However, there is at present nocommitment regarding the borders between Burundi and DRC, where traffic is relatively light.These reforms and changes have resulted in: A significant increase in customs revenues. For instance collections in the first eleven months of2011 were more than a third higher than the corresponding period in 2010 (OBR 2011). Trucking firms and freight forwarders report faster clearance at Kobero and faster issuance of T1forms for traffic to be cleared in Bujumbura, where the average clearance time has been reducedto 2 or 3 days. The unloading of petroleum products directly into the tanks is now possiblewithout passage of trucks through the parking lot, as was the case before. Clearance of cargo can now take place in any city across the country, without the obligatorypassage through Bujumbura. Now only about 80% of goods are still cleared in Bujumbura, whilethe remainder is cleared elsewhere (airport, Gitega, Kayanza, Kobero); Improved treatment of import declaration exemption and reduction of time for cases under auniform and well-defined regulation (e.g. personal belongings, medicines, diplomatic parcels,agricultural products) from 3 weeks to 3 days.While a lot of progress has been made, it is apparent that further improvements are necessary.These include:Although the selectivity of physical controls have been recommended in the DTIS, the goods arestill subject to systematic control without differentiation between operators. Implementation ofgreen and blue channels in the audit is not yet effective, but information system that will allowapplication of differentiation is being considered.There are still delays in filing a certificate of non-accountability of customs and taxes which take2 to 3 days. The OBR could establish a bridge between the ASYCUDA program and Syctas toreceive in real-time the financial status of importers without using intermediate services. Asignificant gain in time and paperwork could be realized.107 / 153