THE CHALLENGES OF IMPORT CLEARANCE PROCEDURE ON TRADE FACILITATION: THE CASE OF JIGJIGA BRANCH CUSTOMS OFFICE

Abstract

The collected data was analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings of the study showed that the most common challenges of Import clearance procedure on Trade facilitation are more delay, cost, goods damage and missing of market opportunities, while lack of proper implementation of time standard and Risk management Techniques; lack of Import clearance team employees competency and cooperativeness, insignificant use of information technology; weak cooperation among Customs and other regulatory bodies for Import; lack of enough professional man power; lack of customer education and support; Complexity of Import clearance procedure. Finally the study recommended that in order to minimize the above mentioned challenges ERCA should implement time standard and Risk management techniques properly and cooperate to other regulatory bodies for Import. At the same time also it has to upgrade the capacity of its employees and the customers and use information technology properly. The importers should be also loyal and submit correct and complete information about their goods. The challenges of Import clearance procedure vary depending on the nature of the imported.