A new automated Customs process is expected to reduce congestion on the docks.

The Department of Customs will introduce a programme known as CAPS, Customs Automated Processing System, shortly. A spokeswoman for the department said the new system would enable approved traders to get electronic clearance of goods, which will streamline the process and enable goods to leave the docks sooner. It would also provide Customs with an electronic manifest of all goods in advance.

The new system will also bring Bermuda customs in line with international ?best practice? guidelines, the spokeswoman said.

Customs decided to introduce the system in order to meet with needs of traders, who said it was taking too long to access goods they had imported.

The spokeswoman also said that it would enable Customs to identify ?high-risk? goods. Having the manifest in advance will enable Customs to ?focus resources these goods?.

A definition of what is classed as high-risk was not provided. The spokeswoman said: ?This is constantly changing based on intelligence and trends analysis.

?It would also not be prudent to provide the actual criteria as this will hamper our ability to identify risk.?

She added that the criteria were in line with international standards.

She said: ?Our primary guidelines are established using the World Customs Organisations Best practice guidelines and international trends.?