1. © UNCTAD 2000 1 End

2. © UNCTAD 2000 2 End Direct Trader Input A short description of how Direct Trader Input ( DTI) is implemented using the ASYCUDA ++ Customs computer system. Mouse Click to move on to the next slide Next

3. © UNCTAD 2000 3 End Select a topic (above) or Next to move on to the next slide Next This presentation looks at the operation of Direct Trader Input (DTI). It outlines the many advantages the system offers to traders and Administrations. It also examines the requirements for Direct Trader Input connection to an ASYCUDA++ computer network. What is DTI? What is DTI? What is DTI? What is DTI? Office Equipment for DTI Office Equipment for DTI Office Equipment for DTI Office Equipment for DTI Software Needs DTI Software Needs DTI Software Needs DTI Software Needs Communications DTI/Customs Procedures DTI/Customs Procedures DTI/Customs Procedures DTI/Customs Procedures The main topics are: -

4. © UNCTAD 2000 4 End Most countries have Customs laws that require a trader, (i.e. any person importing or exporting), to declare the details of import or export transactions. Details of a declaration are used for any tax calculations and for national controls and trade statistics. ASYCUDA ++ What is DTI? Next

5. © UNCTAD 2000 5 End The trader may provide the declaration to Customs, or the trader may employ an agent or broker, skilled in Customs procedures. (We call the person giving the declaration to Customs the Declarant.) ASYCUDA ++ What is DTI? Next

6. © UNCTAD 2000 6 End Conventional Customs processes require that Declarants prepare a Customs document (a Declaration or Entry) that fully describes their transaction. This Declaration was originally prepared and processed as a paper document. With the introduction of electronic systems, the details were then keyed into a computer. ASYCUDA ++ What is DTI? Next

7. © UNCTAD 2000 7 End Customs Data Input staff copied declaration details from the paper document. (In many cases, the original paper declaration had been prepared on a computer by the Declarant.) ASYCUDA ++ Next Problems included: - Duplication of effort and high costs Errors arising from the copying/keying process Delays due to work backlogs with data entry

8. © UNCTAD 2000 8 End Direct access to the Customs computer gives major benefits to both Customs and the trader or broker. ASYCUDA ++ Next Direct access – or Direct Trader Input - is needed for a fully electronic processing system.

9. © UNCTAD 2000 9 End ASYCUDA ++ Next Direct Trader Input gives a Declarant the capability to complete the full Customs process or formalities remotely – from that Declarants office. For Customs, it removes the need for a costly and essentially non- productive process.

10. © UNCTAD 2000 10 End The Declarant, with DTI access, may prepare, check and print declarations. Declarations may be forwarded electronically to Customs for registration and acceptance. Payment of any duties may be pre-arranged, through a credit or pre-payment facility. ASYCUDA ++ Next Processing is subject to full Customs controls! May be Released

11. © UNCTAD 2000 11 End Calculations are validated against current data. Declaration details are checked against Customs control criteria (such as manifest, national prohibitions and restrictions, risk profiles). Goods may be directed for examinations, as needed. ASYCUDA ++ Next Customs control processes for DTI declarations are similar to declarations lodged as paper documents.

12. © UNCTAD 2000 12 End Computer equipment, programs or software. Communications – the ability for the Declarant to electronically connect to the Customs computer system. Agreement on procedures (Asycuda ++ allows step-by-step introduction of processing options.) ASYCUDA ++ Next So…. what is required for DTI? DTI requirements are further explained in the following sections. Back Select Back to return to main topic index, or Next to go on

13. © UNCTAD 2000 13 End The Declarants office, (trader or broker), needs a personal computer (PC) and a computer printer, as basic equipment. The ASYCUDA ++ software is not technically demanding as regards hardware; the choice of computer is usually determined by what other uses within the office that the computer is to be put to. ASYCUDA ++ Office Equipment for DTI Next See http://www.asycuda.org/recommendedhardware.htmhttp://www.asycuda.org/recommendedhardware.htm at the ASYCUDA website for specific recommendations. See http://www.asycuda.org/recommendedhardware.htmhttp://www.asycuda.org/recommendedhardware.htm at the ASYCUDA website for specific recommendations.

14. © UNCTAD 2000 14 End In addition to the computer and printer, the DTI Declarant needs a modem to connect through the telephone line to the Customs computer. ASYCUDA ++ Office Equipment for DTI Next (Within an ASYCUDA ++ computer network the Customs central computer is called the server and a connected PC is called a client.) (Within an ASYCUDA ++ computer network the Customs central computer is called the server and a connected PC is called a client.) Back Select Back to return to main topic index, or Next to go on

15. © UNCTAD 2000 15 End The Declarants computer must have the operating system installed. (MS Windows or DOS.) Using the computer for DTI requires both ASYCUDA ++ client software and communications software ASYCUDA ++ DTI Software Needs Next

16. © UNCTAD 2000 16 End ASYCUDA ++ software for DTI is a program called MODBRK. (Customs Broker module.) ASYCUDA ++ DTI Software Needs Next Functions available within MODBRK are explained in the PowerPoint Presentation Library: Modules at http://www.asycuda.org/pptlibrary.htmhttp://www.asycuda.org/pptlibrary.htm

17. © UNCTAD 2000 17 End ASYCUDA ++ DTI Software Needs Next Communications software handles the transfer of messages or data between the DTI client computer and the Customs server. The form of message is TCP/IP, or Internet Protocol Back Select Back to return to main topic index, or Next to go on

18. © UNCTAD 2000 18 End ASYCUDA ++ CommunicationsCommunications Next The simplest means of communication between the DTI Declarant and Customs is to use an existing Internet connection service. (ISP) A direct connection can be made to the Customs server by using the servers internet address. An alternative is to install communications software (TCP/IP protocol) that allows a direct connection from the Declarants modem to the Customs dial-in modem.

19. © UNCTAD 2000 19 End ASYCUDA ++ CommunicationsCommunications Next Many factors are involved in deciding the best means of communication for DTI connections. The available telecommunications infrastructure and local pricing policies are important in making a decision. In some situations a leased line may be viable, as may a fixed line connected to the Customs network.

20. © UNCTAD 2000 20 End ASYCUDA ++ Next ASYCUDAs security controls limit access to authorised users. Declarants with DTI authorisation are restricted to accessing only their own Customs declarations. Individual Customs Administrations may choose to limit the range of functions made available within the Customs Broker module. …and Back Select Back to return to main topic index, or Next to go on

21. © UNCTAD 2000 21 End The Declarant uses the transaction details, together with the reference tables of the ASYCUDA ++ software, to prepare the declaration. DTI/Customs Procedures Reference tables are part of the DTI software; all codes, (such as tariff, countries and currencies), tax and calculation details, are on the client computer. Next

22. © UNCTAD 2000 22 End The new declaration can be prepared, checked and saved on the Declarants DTI computer, ready for presentation to Customs. DTI/Customs Procedures Connection to the Customs server is NOT needed for these processes. Next

23. © UNCTAD 2000 23 End When the Declarant is ready to give the declaration to Customs, the DTI client computer is connected to the Customs server. DTI/Customs Procedures Next DTI For connection, security controls ask for the Declarants assigned user name and password Server

24. © UNCTAD 2000 24 End After connection, the server first checks that the client PCs reference files are current. If not, the server transfers an automatic update of non-current files to the client PC. The Declarant can then give the declaration to Customs, by asking for Registration or Assessment of the electronic document. DTI/Customs Procedures Next

25. © UNCTAD 2000 25 End On receiving the declaration transmission from the DTI Declarant the declaration is registered. Progress on further processes, (such as assessment, payment and release), are determined by the controls set by Customs. DTI/Customs Procedures Next The system assigns an identifying number and notifies the status of the declaration. Server

26. © UNCTAD 2000 26 End The Declarant has access to his or her own declarations held on the Customs server: - Declarations can be viewed at any time and status checked Lists of previous declarations can be prepared Declarations can be brought to screen and printed (or to become the basis of a new declaration). Manifest details may be viewed. Transit movements can be initiated. Next DTI/Customs Procedures

27. © UNCTAD 2000 27 End Quicker service for clients, with lower costs Freedom to work outside of Customs normal hours of business Reduced traveling, delays and queues at Customs Easy access to own declaration data held within the Customs computer Access to up-to-date trade related information The opportunity to integrate with own internal systems Next For Declarants, DTI means convenience, time and cost savings, including: -

28. © UNCTAD 2000 28 End Frees resources, by relieving Customs of necessary but unproductive work of data input. Spreads workload and reduces demand at peak times Reduces data input errors and encourages a self- assessment environment Facilitates trade and the achievement of organisational objectives, without compromising Customs controls Next For Customs, DTI means increased efficiencies, reduced costs and greatly improved service delivery. Back Select Back to return to main topic index, or Next to go on

29. © UNCTAD 2000 29 End ASYCUDA ++ See also the presentations on: - ASYCUDA ++ User Interface ASYCUDA ++ Modules System Overview End Show End Show End Show End Show