Over twenty registered traders and importers from Virgin Gorda are now aware of the Customs Automated Processing Systems (CAPS), following a trader declaration orientation held last Thursday September 15.

In an effort to enhance ‘guest experience’ and safeguard the yachting and tourism industries, Her Majesty’s Customs Department is doing its part to protect the borders of the Virgin Islands.

All importers, brokers, and agents of the Virgin Gorda community are notified that Her Majesty’s Customs will hold a Customs Automated Processing Systems (CAPS) trader declaration orientation on the sister island on Thursday, September 15.

Her Majesty’s Customs is computerising all clearance procedures for goods effective November 1, as the department moves towards full automation using the Customs Automated Processing System (CAPS) where trader declarations can be completed and submitted online.

The Commissioner of Customs is urging boaters, agents and marine charter companies to remain compliant with the Commercial Recreational Vessels Licencing Act No.8 of 1992 and Cruising Permit Ordinance.

Boaters arriving in the Territory’s waters are to clear Customs at Ports of Entry in order to remain compliant with the Customs Management and Duty Act.

Boaters, agents and marine charter companies are reminded to remain compliant with the Commercial Recreational Vessels Licencing Act No.8 of 1992 and Cruising Permit Ordinance.

The Government of the Virgin Islands, through the Immigration Department, will be introducing a new customs and immigration form from Friday, April 1.

As a follow up to meetings in London in December of last year’s Joint Ministerial Council, and in response to an invitation from Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE, senior representatives from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, particularly the National Crime Agency (NCA) and Serious Fraud Office (SFO) visited the Territory from February 25 to 26 to engage in further technical discussions on strengthening the legal framework for cooperation to tackle cross-border financial crime in both jurisdictions.

The Customs Department is inviting the public to its open house.......