LONDON: Papua New Guinea Customs revenue collection in 2012-16 was K12.36 billion – more than a quarter of the National Budget for this period. Customs boss Ray Paul in his presentation said their five-year budget projections for that period was K12.44 billion. They had a minimal deficit of only K8 million for that period. This is because of several factors including the organisational structure and modernisation programs, effective trade facilitation, and the commitment, professionalism, the service, integrity and the organisations’ enhanced tariff duties and enforcement against illicit trading with tough measures. Mr Paul said that in 2012 the actual revenue collected was K2.49 billion and budget projections was K2.12 billion, 2013 actual revenue collected was K2.35 billion with budget projections of K2.41 billion, 2014 K2.52 billion actual revenue collected with budget projection of K2.63 billion, in 2015 Customs’ actual revenue collection was K2.58 billion with a budget projection of K2.61 billion, last year they collected K2.42 billion with a budget projection of K2.67 billion. “The total actual revenue collected in the last five years was K12.36 billion with a budget projection of K12.44 billion. This is more than a quarter of the National Budget for this period minimal deficit of only K8 million for the period,” Mr Paul said. “For exemptions on Customs duties and taxes, Customs does not have the discretion or power to grant exemption or waiver any duties or taxes on imports. Exemption is allowed by provision in Legislation of National Parliament,” Mr Paul said.
Exemption approval is based on the decision in the instruments by NEC and Customs monitors issuing of exemptions or waiver of duties and taxes, regulated in accordance with legal provisions. Or legal instruments in National Gazettal notices and agreements endorsed by the head of State as stipulated by section 9 of the Customs Tariff Act 1990. All government agencies, private sectors, any other organisations and Individuals are subject to pay duties and taxes on their imports. “Including MPs importing goods for their province/district development programs/projects or for personal use, however, imports for development programs and projects can be eligible for an exemption provided there are legal provisions in place as stated above,” he said.
