The Seychelles Revenue Commission (SRC) has today launched its online payment facility for customs services, as part of the latest enhancement to the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA).
Introduced to streamline the payment process for all imports and exports declarations, the new facility aims to increase operational efficiencies and further ease the clearance process for traders including businesses entities, declarants and individuals in particular courier transactions.
The ePayment service is accessible via email and WhatsApp, at any time and day, at the convenience of customers.
To gain access to online payment facility one must have firstly been advised by Customs or their preferred courier agent of a consignment valued between SCR3000 to SCR5000 or a Customs Declaration (Bill of Entry) requiring payment.
To pay for a consignment of which the value falls between SCR3000 to SCR5000 using the ePayment facility, one must email a copy of their identification card, pending slip, contact details comprising of both email address, phone and WhatsApp number, copies of invoices plus freight details to aircargoexamination@src.gov.sc to register for ePayment.
Once registered, a payment link will be shared through the Customer’s Whatsapp and email to proceed with the payment.
Whilst for those wishing to pay their Customs Declaration (Bill of Entry) online, especially the traders, business entities and declarants, the ePayment registration form available in the download section via src.gov.sc must be completed and emailed to cvo@src.gov.sc under the subject ‘ePayment Registration Request’.
Upon successful registration, an acceptance email and WhatsApp notification will be shared with the customer to start accepting ePayment requests.
Speaking about the new system, the Commissioner of Customs, Mr. Paul Barrack said: “Last year Customs started its digitalization process by introducing the manifest, courier and excise tax module online.
“Now as we continue to proceed on the journey of becoming paperless, I am pleased that through collaborative efforts under the Economic Partnership Agreement of the European Union we have managed to enhance and modernize the ASYCUDA system by introducing the ePayment module. With that I extend my gratitude to the team who worked hard behind the scenes ensuring the development and usage of the system is up to par with international practices.
Manager Airport Cargo, Mrs. Simone Didon one of the focal person for this project also explained: “It was three weeks ago that we made a soft roll out of the ePayment facility to the selected users to allow them to get a feel of the newly introduced module, to test its efficacy, speed and reliability.
“Now that we are fully satisfied with the product we are encouraging the trading community and the public, once having been contacted by Customs or upon advisory of their courier agent, to use the ePayment facility to expedite their transaction with customs.”
The Seychelles Revenue Commission will in the coming days provide increased education about the ePayment registration process and payment guidance through its marketing initiatives.
In the meantime, the Commission has also set up a dedicated hotline number on 2820429 operational from 8am to 8pm on weekdays for those seeking assistance when using the ePayment facility.