For Immediate Release: Castries, St. Lucia, February26, 2025

Press Release

Customs & Excise Department to Demonstrate Customs Web-Portal

The St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce invites members and the wider business community to join a two- hour Webinar that will be hosted by the Customs &Excise Department on March 6th, 2025, from 2:00 via Zoom.  This public information Webinar will introduce traders to a suite of new digital initiatives designed to enhance the import export trade, streamline processes, and reduce costs for traders as part of the Customs & Excise Department Trade Facilitation agenda, all aimed at enhancing the “customer journey”.

The Customs & Excise Department continues to make every effort to modernize operations and improve the quality of services it provides the trading public.  This Webinar dovetails from there cent announcements made at the recently held Executive Luncheon of the Chamber of Commerce where several changes and initiatives were announced. The Webinar will include demonstrations of new web-based tools and solutions that provide the broker and importer with easy access to Customs using the digital solutions and will give the business community first-hand exposure and knowledge of the advancements. Key topics to be covered include:

·        Web Portal for Import Permit & LicenseApplications – A new system allowing traders to apply directly forpermits and licenses, reducing reliance on brokers and lowering costs.

·        Electronic Assessment Notices &Payment Receipts – A shift towards paperless transactions, givingtraders direct access to tax assessment notices, payment receipts, and taxrefund notifications.

·        Online Payment System – Asecure, convenient platform for processing customs transactions digitally.

·        HS 2022 Rollout – Updates on tariff classifications, key considerations for businesses, and an implementation timeline.

The webinar will include presentations, demonstrations and provide in-depth insights into these innovations. All firms that interact with the Customs &Excise department are urged to take advantage of this event to learn and understand how these innovations will work as the Department seeks to enhance their operational efficiency.

Interested participants can register for the webinar at https://stluciachamber.wildapricot.org/event-6090031,or by accessing the Chamber’s website at www.stluciachamber.org,or calling 452-3165.

For more information contact: Mr. BrianLouisy, Executive Director

---ENDS---

‍

‍