By Stephen Breen MPs yesterday passed legislation which should slash the amount of time it takes to clear imported goods through Customs.

Importers will now be able to register goods with Customs electronically, rather than queue for hours to see an officer and complete a lot of paperwork.

About $1 million was spent renovating Customs offices in Hamilton to install computers for the new process, Customs Automated Processing System (CAPS), which comes into operation on September 1.

But companies and individuals who do not feel comfortable with electronic processing will still be able to use paper transactions.

Finance Minister Eugene Cox, who introduced the changes in the Revenue Amendment Act in the House of Assembly yesterday, said it was "the most comprehensive review ever undertaken by Customs'', which provides Government with 30 percent of its revenue.

Next week, Government will introduce a harmonised tariff structure to bring Bermuda into line with international standards.

Mr. Cox said current procedures "do not meet the needs of international businesses for rapid Customs clearance''.

He added: "Customs conducted a review of processes and procedures and it will result in a far more user-friendly and streamlined process.

"CAPS is a very particular application of electronic commerce. It will allow the Customs Department, the importing community and people in Bermuda to benefit directly from the extremely advanced technology.'' Mr. Cox said extensive consultations had taken place between Customs, other Government departments and the business community about the changes.

The Minister apologised to businesses and individuals who had suffered delays while Customs were renovating their headquarters in Hamilton.

Shadow Finance Minister Grant Gibbons said the timing of the introduction of the new system was critical.

September was the busiest time of the year for may retailers who were ordering for Christmas. He asked for an assurance that if the deadline for introduction was slipping later into the year that it could be postponed until next year.

Eugene Cox