Advantages of Automation of Tea Export Documentation

Automation of Tea Export Documentation and accepting them electronically by the Sri Lanka Tea Board (SLTB) has provided better service to Tea Exporters. SLTB commenced accepting all CUSDECs via electronically effective from 1 April 2009.

This online submission of Tea Export Documents was to derive benefits such as elimination of the need to visit SLTB; saving of Rs 100 lodgment registration fee per CUSDEC Sheet; online reconciliation of Re-export CUSDECs to fast track re-exports; avoidance of the need to physically visit for submission of Blend Sheet/CUSDEC; online approval of CUSDEC/Blend Sheet by SLTB which reduces approval time by 1-2 hours.

When an account is maintained between Tea Exporter and Sri Lanka Customs for payment of Tea Cess and other levies the Cess amounts are automatically deducted when CUSDECs are assessed.

Further to these benefits, SLTB at a press briefing held in Colombo last week indicated that there would be a further reduction in EDI charges of Rs 50 effective 1 March whereby the total increase in the rebate of US $ 2.5 in addition to savings in time and cost of US $ 2.

In the light of these benefits accrued by tea exporters, SLTB is to expand beyond SLTB Automation to provide better services to Tea Exporters.

The success of the SLTB in the automation process has prompted eSrvices Lanka Ltd to request an Inter Ministerial task force to be set up to give deadlines and steer al government departments to follow the example of Sri Lanka Tea Board and facilitate trade.

- Asian Tribune -