Release record is returned sometimes within seconds
COMPU-CLEARING has gone live with Customs, providing what m.d. Arnold Garber describes as a major step forward in the battle against crime at Johannesburg International Airport.
As soon as the entries are framed on the Compu-Clearing system, a customs EDI (electronic data interchange) record is generated which reaches its computer within seconds, says Garber.
The customs floppy is no longer required. Frankly, it's fantastic in that customs is sending back the release record, sometimes within seconds.
On this they tell us whether the shipment has been stopped or has been released, and if it is released, they also give us the bill of entry number. Entry clerks no longer have to update their records with this number as the computer now does it automatically.
Where the clients and the airlines score against theft as a result of false documents is that there is no chance of the goods being released until the computer gives the go-ahead.
Bill of lading numbers are not displayed and if whatever is presented on the document does not agree with what is in the computer, there is no release. Also if the documents presented are not in the same name as the agent given on the computer details, there is a holdup once again.
It is a safe haven against thefts in this manner and this is the type of misdeed we have been encountering for a long time.
Compu-Clearing operates, through its system, warehouse handling for the majority of foreign airlines arriving in this country.
The customs people, this time, have done a wonderful job in liaison with our people, says Garber. There was less talking and more doing. There has been less fanfare and more accomplishment and we are happy with the result.
