Full container load importers have a new simplified prior declaration process to follow at the Hamilton docks, the Collector of Customs announced yesterday.

A Government spokeswoman said yesterday that casual and commercial importers are encouraged to make prior declaration of their goods whenever possible.

Any member of the importing public may currently pre-clear their goods with Customs before the carrying ship or aircraft arrives in Bermuda.

This pre-arrival declaration and duty payment is known as ?prior declaration?.

Pre-clearance from Customs is especially important for oversized loads, break bulk cargo and hazardous goods arriving by sea that may cause an impediment to the safe and efficient operation of the docks.

Government backed the prior declaration method, saying it saves time for importers.

Application for prior declaration is virtually identical to the normal goods entry process, the Government spokeswoman said.

Importers simply lodge a full Bermuda Customs Declaration (BCD) with standard supporting documentation and pay the import duty for their goods at any time before the ship or aircraft carrying those goods arrives in Bermuda.

For more information on prior entry, importers can contact the Hamilton Long Room by telephone at 295-4816, ext. 280.

The simplified prior declaration (SPD) was touted as an ?even more attractive and flexible variation of prior declaration yesterday.

SPD allows authorised commercial importers to gain pre-release of FCL containers prior to the arrival of the ship using a simplified BCD.

As an added benefit, importers may apply to defer duty payment and proper entry for up to 30 working days from the date of the SPD.

The method was straightforward, Government said. The declarant must fill in a minimum number of fields on the standard BCD form and specify the four-digit customs procedure code (CPC) relating to SPD.

The SPD can be lodged with Customs at any time prior to the arrival of the goods in Bermuda.

It must be followed by a supplementary declaration with full details within 30 days of the date of the original SPD.

For full details on how to get authorisation to use SPD, importers may contact the Customs Collectorate Support by telephone at 295-4816 x244.

Customs is mindful of the increased flow of ocean freight through the port of Hamilton, the Collector said.

Her department supports the recent steps taken by the Corporation of Hamilton to enhance the security and efficiency of the docks, she added.

?We are committed to the facilitation of legitimate trade and to ensuring that Customs formalities do not present an obstacle to the fast clearance and removal of goods.?

Accordingly, HM Customs encouraged all persons importing goods by sea or air to take advantage of using the preceding declaration procedures.