Measures to modernise Bermuda's Customs laws will be held back due to delays introducing a hi-tech new system to Customs' computers.

Under the Customs Tariff Act, Bermuda will adopt a "harmonised" international tariff system which is used in countries including America.

The new method was due to commence on January 1, but Customs officials have said they are in still in the process of introducing a search engine which will enable it to work, Finance Minister Paula Cox told the House of Assembly.

Ms Cox said the Customs Tariff Amendment Act, which postpones the introduction of the new system until April 1, would give officials enough time to ensure a smooth transition.

She said: "There are going to be systematic changes to allow clients to use the search engine. We don't think it will be done in time for January 1, so we are giving Customs enough time to get it resolved."

United Bermuda Party MP Grant Gibbons asked whether delaying the introduction of the system would lead to confusion if it was brought in elsewhere.

Ms Cox replied that the delay would not cause "an extortionate amount of inconvenience".

The act was passed by MPs on Friday night.