Customs surpasses $1B in govt revenue collection
Customs officials with seized goods
The Solomon Islands Customs and Excise Division collected more than $1 billion in revenue last year for the first time ever.
Comptroller of the Customs and Excise Division Nathan Kama said the figure exceeds the target for the division and will support the Government’s efforts to provide services for all Solomon Islanders.
In a media release issued yesterday, Mr Kama said surpassing $1 billion in revenue collected in 2017 is a wonderful achievement for the Customs and Excise Division.
The amount does not include Goods Tax, which also was collected on behalf of the Government.
Mr Kama acknowledged staff for their teamwork and Permanent Secretary of Finance and Treasury Harry Kuma for providing resources that make it possible for the division to collect revenue.
Additionally, client compliance is improving, so companies and their employees are spending less time and less money waiting to clear their goods from seaports and airports.
Mr Kama said the division is determined to ensure its other statutory function — to protect the nation’s sea borders — is strengthened this year.
By Leni Dalavera