With effect from July 1, the Trade Licence Unit (TLU) of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment and Communications (MTIIC) will only accept electronic applications via TTBizLink (www.ttbizlink.gov.tt) for import/export licences if the total consignment/customs value is more than $20,000. A notice from the ministry yesterday said this is in keeping with Government’s objective to enhance the trade facilitation environment by reducing the steps in the customs clearance process.
The notice states: “Any importer/exporter seeking to clear goods which require an import/export licence from the Trade Licence Unit of the MTIIC with a consignment value in excess of shall therefore only be able to utilise an electronic licence in order to complete an e-C82 Customs Declaration in the Customs Border Control System (ASYCUDA) operated by the Customs and Excise Division.
“Persons currently holding import/export licences with the above consignment value, which were not generated electronically through TTBizLink will not be able to use same to complete an e-C82 Customs Declaration after Monday 30 June, 2014. These persons are required to reapply using TTBizlink.” More information is available at www.ttbizlink.gov.tt, or call 800-4739.