PNG Customs generated K2.6 billion for government in 2014

PNG Customs last year collected K2.6 billion revenue for the national purse.

John Sam, assistant commissioner trade and revenue administration, revealed this at the conclusion of the Customs business consultation workshop in Kokopo, East New Britain, last Friday. 

He said the Government last year set a target for PNG Customs to collect K2.9 billion. But it only collected K2.6 billion.

“This year, we have another target close to that amount so we are working hard to come up with strategies to achieve this target,” Sam said.

He said the drop by K0.3 billion (K300,000,000) was due to the construction phase of the LNG stopping. 

It resulted in the drop in imports – especially GST (goods and services tax) imports decreasing.

“That is why we did not meet target last year and probably this year again,” he said.

He said Customs had many compliance issues with PNG Ports where fraudulent documents were used to take out cargo from containers coming from overseas or cargo without duty being paid.

“We are working closely with PNG Ports to close these loopholes,” Sam said.

He said Customs had a new computer systembut still without the exit note that was yet to be implemented. When stakeholders pay tax to customs, automatically they are sent the exit note at the wharf when they pick up their cargo.

“Through this, the chances of those using fraudulent means will be decreased.”

Sam said scanning was currently only done in Port Moresby and Lae.