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Wed, 8 Sep 2010
SUVA, Fiji (FIJI SUN) ---- Fiji will need to spend $10 million for the implementation of an x-ray machine for cargoes in order to continue trade with the United States of America.
The revelation was made yesterday by Fiji Islands Revenue Customs Authority’s national manager border control Watisoni Raucava.
Mr Raucava said this is a requirement by the World Customs Organisation.
“This has to be done by 2012 as part of the compulsory x-ray for US bound cargoes,” he said.
Mr Raucava said as part of the US Border Control regulation, this has been put into force after the September 11, 2001 incident where all exporting countries must have their containers scanned at the point of export before entering the United States.
“Countries not compliant will lose out on the US market which is a major contributor to our economy and there is a need for Fiji to be compliant,” Mr Raucava said.
He said the machine alone would cost around $3.5 to $5.7 million and it will add up close to $10m taking into account the other implementation costs.
“Fiji is totally dependant on these exports. Trade facilitation is important and customs must play an important role for a secure trading system and trade facilitation and being the hub of the Pacific, Fiji is liable to face threats of international terrorism,” Mr Raucava said.
“The x-ray machine will not only boost exports through security as it will also enhance the inbound border control.
The focus was on the exports but we decided to look at our imports as well and look at the security issues that we have now.
“It is anticipated that a secure trading environment will lift or increase imports and exports basically an advantage to the economy,” he added.
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