Just as the customs and excise authorities are promoting fast-

Just as the customs and excise authorities are promoting fast-
track handling of import documents, claiming that this only takes
five minutes, cell phone and computer component importers in
Surabaya and other major cities are complaining about their goods
being held up by the very same customs authorities.

It is true that the Directorate General of Customs and Excise
offers fast-track facilities to manufacturing importers with good
track records. Such customs clearance facilities have initially
been extended to 10 automotive and electronics companies.

In its implementation, however, the fast-track system is
facing various impediments and challenges, with resultant
dissatisfaction with the performance of the customs service. The
strict inspections imposed on the import of information
technology (IT) products in recent weeks, for instance, reflects
the existence of import irregularities that reduce receipts from
import duties.

Meanwhile, the smuggling of various imported goods has hit
domestic industry hard, particularly textile and electronics
manufacturers. The failure of the customs service to prevent the
entry of such contraband goods has considerably damaged local
manufacturers as they cannot compete with the illegal goods. But
the customs service is not entirely to blame. --Bisnis Indonesia,
Jakarta