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The Customs and Excise Department today (July 18) announced that starting from this Sunday (July 21) the electronic data interchange (EDI) services would become the only means for processing dutiable commodities permit (DCP) applications.

All the counters of Customs' Permit Offices will be closed and operations on receiving DCP applications in paper will cease from the same date (July 21).

The EDI DCP service, provided by Tradelink Electronic Commerce Ltd (Tradelink), was introduced on January 10, 2002. It has been well-received by traders.

A spokesman for the Customs and Excise Department explained, "By using the EDI service, traders enjoy the benefits of shorter turnaround time for permit processing from two working days to half a working day, extended service hours in submitting permit applications, and saving the trips to Permit Offices for paper applications.

"In view of the benefits and given the effective operation of the service, traders are in support of a migration to full EDI submission on July 21, after a parallel run of paper and electronic applications for over six months," he said.

To cater for the needs of traders who do not have the capability to submit DCP applications electronically, Tradelink has put in operation two electronic trading access service (ETAS) centres, one in Sheung Wan and another in Mong Kok, to provide services for converting paper applications into electronic submission to the Government.

Enquiries should be addressed to Tradelink at 2599 1700 (for registration as EDI users) or 2917 8881 (for usage of the EDI service and ETAS).

For matters requiring Customs follow-up actions, traders may contact the Department's Office of Dutiable Commodities Administration at 2852 3049.

End/Thursday, July 18, 2002

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