Customs directorate: 83% of imported goods released via fully Automated Clearing System

During 2008 the system cleared 1,398,702 import entries all of which went through the computerized risk analysis system
 
The Israeli Customs Directorate released last week details concerning the average time it took to clear imported cargo in 2008, through its state of the art Automated Clearing System.
 
The system allows users to file import data electronically and receive needed information on cargo status. Taxes, duties and fees may be paid by electronic statement, through a Treasury-approved clearing banks.
 
During 2008 the system cleared 1,398,702 import entries all of which went through the computerized risk analysis system.
 
83.3%of all goods imported in 2008 were cleared through the automated network.
 
Further, 2.7% of all import entries (37,724) went through customs physical examinations.
 
80.91%of all import entries were cleared within one hour from the time entry was transmitted to customs. 94% of all import entries were cleared within 24 hours.
 
The average time for an import entry to clear through the automated system is 55 minutes whereas the average time for an import entry to get cleared through documentary examination is 15 hours and 53 minutes.
 
Goods being physically examined were cleared, on average, within a time framework of 43 hours and 35 minutes. Clearing time is measured from the time the entry is transmitted until clearance is approved by the customs.
 
Customs officials admitted that more work has to be devoted to increase efficiency and cut the average clearing time for cargo cleared after 48 hours.