The Barbados Customs and Excise Department has taken steps to reduce the huge backlog of packages.
Following the opening ceremony of the 44th annual Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council at the Hilton Barbados, Needham’s Point, St Michael yesterday, Comptroller of Customs Owen Holder said they had taken a multi-pronged approach to address the long-standing issue.
“We’ve targeted those large importers and couriers to ensure we have that stock level reduced. Only yesterday [Tuesday] I had discussion with the deputy comptroller who assured there had been tremendous results out of that initiative. I am quite comfortable right now that there has been a major reduction, but I am going to be monitoring that situation to make sure; if necessary, we can make adjustments,” he said.
The issue came to a head last month following public outcry on social media complaining about the length of time it was taking to clear goods from couriers such as DHL, FedEx BajanPack, Aeropost, UPS, SwiftPac and others. An insider placed the blame on customs’ appointment system.
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