Conflict prevention with Custom & Customs – By Prof. Samitha Hettige

January, 30, 2025

‘Custom’ is a way of behaving or a belief that has been established for a long time. It can also be the support given to a business by the people who buy products or services from it. ‘Customs’ is the place at a portairport, or border where travelers’ bags are checked to find out if any items are being carried illegally. The fees paid at Customs are fees paid to the government when particular goods are taken from one country to another (Ref. Cambridge).

Good & Bad Customs.

Sri Lanka being an ancient civilization located at the centre of the Indian Ocean (Lakdiva Sea) has historically developed many behavioral patterns & beliefs over the centuries. They include Customs practices as the country traded with Arabic, Indian & Chinese civilizations for over 2000 years. Sri Lankan chronicles indicate that Sri Lanka was a smart international trader. In the modern world, it is a Custom of economically active countries & territories to support business entities to progress with efficient officials, systems & Customs. These active economic hubs may prove that highly complicated & complex Customs formalities, regulations & compliances may not be a custom to support economic growth. However for a fragile society with many hidden conflict provocative elements strict regulations may be necessary to control destruction attempted by those who conspire to block economic growth.

Some of the most efficient Customs procedures are reported in Hong Kong, Singapore & the UAE. The UAE is notable as it used many talented Sri Lankans including Customs officials to develop its system with international business in mind. The Jebel Ali port which is the largest man made port in the world is the largest container port between Singapore & Rotterdam equipped with advanced facilities to cater to international shipping needs. It is an important partner of China’s Belt & Road Initiative & has been developed by UAE especially with Chinese support to clear 5 large container ships with a 21,000 TEU capacity within a day. Venezuela, Argentina & Haiti on the other hand are countries which are reportedly having highly inefficient Customs services & practices (Ref. Worldatlas). It can be as a result of serious socioeconomic conditions in those countries.

Conflicts within Customs.

Behind all successful Customs including Hong Kong, Singapore & UAE, efficient humans are a key. Among them are the Sri Lankans who contributed to develop the system in UAE. Venezuela, Argentina & Haiti may have to employ better trained & compensated humans if they wish to improve their image as it is necessary to provide protection & facilities for humans to perform. It is challenging to manage systems & protect humans in environments where importers & exporters clash with state agencies involving large volumes of cash transactions.  Sri Lankans may recall media reports on the acid attack on Customs officer Karunanayake, death of Customs officer Amarapala & the razor attack on Customs officer Dias. Media reports on the conversations between business tycoon Harry J & Customs officers created new perceptions when the Criminal Investigations Department visited the Customs.

Should Customs be outsourced?

Managing Customs has been historically challenging for all governments in the world. Some have overcome them by learning from success stories. Some are still learning & it should be encouraged. Similar to Jebel Ali Sri Lanka has the manmade Hambantota port. It can be equipped with better systems with support from the private sector & internationally reputed organizations. If properly managed using the Belt & Road, it alone may place Sri Lanka on par with Jebel Ali port etc. Some states have tried outsourcing Customs to internationally reputed organizations such as the Crown Agents which enjoy a privileged status among international players (Ref. Transitional Government of East Timor). If good lessons can be learned & fast implemented, conflicts with container trucks also may resolve faster.

(Views expressed are personal/ photo: exporting an Elephant/ source: www).

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