trying to shift goods off Hamilton docks.

It is understood that dock management company Stevedoring Services has been unable to strip down some cargo containers as its sheds have been full of goods awaiting clearance.

The delays in clearing Customs have been caused by minor problems with the implementation of a new form under the Bermuda Customs Tariff for importers.

However, Customs officials are working to clear the backlog and iron out the bugs as soon as possible.

Collector of Customs Bill LeDrew said the new system had only been in force for just over a week and it was taking time for importers and agents to get used to it.

"I don't think there have been huge delays,'' he said.

"We provided training for 500 people and it was fair to say there is a learning curve. We have been doing everything we can to assist people to complete the forms properly.

"We have told staff to exercise judgment on administrative tolerance in many areas.

"What we have tried to do is make sure everybody gets used to the new system, it is also a busy time of year -- that doesn't help.'' The delays in processing the forms has meant some goods have not been moved from the docks and workers have not been able to strip down containers while room is at a premium.

Mike Lohan, of Stevedoring Services said: "Goods are moving more slowly off the docks than normal.'' Peter Aldrich, chairman of the Bermuda International Logistics Association, said there had been some delays during the transitional period, which had caused problems in trying to get freight off the docks.

"It is going to take everyone a little bit of time to catch up and get familiar with the new system,'' he said. "It is a new system, it takes a period of adjustment.'' However, he said that businesses may not be so forgiving if the system doesn't level off or appear to offer anything better than before.