Business Bayani PH

The United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has unveiled a major upgrade to its ASYCUDAWorld software, designed to significantly improve customs management in over 100 economies.

ASYCUDAWorld, the largest technical cooperation program run by UNCTAD, provides an integrated and automated system for handling customs data. The latest version, 4.4, introduces a range of cutting-edge capabilities to enhance risk management, data collection, and system compatibility.

The new version of ASYCUDAWorld software offers significant advancements in technology, designed to make international trade more reliable and secure, said Shamika N. Sirimanne, director of technology and logistics at UNCTAD. This upgrade ensures the system adheres to global standards and best practices, and was developed in collaboration with the countries using it.

Enhanced risk management and fraud detection

A key feature of ASYCUDAWorld 4.4 is its “dynamic selectivity” tool. This data-driven system analyzes customs declarations to calculate fraud risk, automatically highlighting suspicious profiles and declarations for targeted inspections. This approach streamlines fraud detection and frees up resources for more efficient customs operations.

Furthermore, the software allows for automatic management of trusted trader profiles, enabling faster clearance of goods for authorized economic operators.

Improved data collection and reporting

ASYCUDAWorld 4.4 also enhances the reporting of customs control results, providing governments with a wider range of data to inform policy decisions. An updated user interface simplifies data compilation and trade statistics generation.

Stronger compliance and flexibility

The upgraded software integrates seamlessly with International Air Transport Association standards, allowing airlines and logistics operators to easily provide accurate information to governments. Additionally, third parties can now electronically attach supporting documents to bills of lading, further promoting paperless trade.

User countries also have the flexibility to customize the system without extensive technical support.

Decades of facilitating global trade

For over 40 years, the ASYCUDA program has played a vital role in digitizing and expediting customs clearance processes across more than 100 countries, including many vulnerable economies. The ASYCUDAWorld software is already operational in 38 least developed countries, 23 landlocked developing countries, and 41 small island developing states.

Countries that implement ASYCUDAWorld can process 100% of their cross-border trade transactions through the system. The upcoming Global Supply Chain Forum, taking place from May 21 to 24, will delve deeper into best practices and efficiency gains associated with the software.

Currently, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is undergoing an upgrade to ASYCUDAWorld 4.4 with UNCTAD’s support. More countries are expected to follow suit in the coming years.Ⓒ