not be used until at least the end of next month.

And the change has required customs to train officers and importers on their use and the accompanying harmonised codes used to classify goods.

"Design of the form has been completed and it will soon be introduced,'' said Collector of Customs Bill Ledrew.

"The process of designing the forms has been heavily consultative and the new codes -- an international standard -- will be less ambiguous and useful for market research.'' He said reactions from importers had been largely positive, despite complaints from some retailers that they did not have the resources to complete the more detailed forms.

Mr. Ledrew said the initiative was aimed at the introduction of an automated system in September, whereby importers would be able to submit customs declarations electronically.

"We want to streamline the customs process,'' he said.