Last Updated on: 27th July 2023, 04:33 pm

Turning the Tables on Corruption in Customs

You know how it goes with customs, right? Especially in developing countries, they’re often seen as the bad guys. Not because they’re scrutinizing your luggage, but because they’re often too involved in corruption scandals. We’ve tried to fight this by bringing in legal reforms, ethics codes, and even upgrading our IT systems, but things aren’t getting better quickly enough.

According to the World Bank’s latest report on Anti-Corruption, it’s time we shake things up. They’re suggesting we need to dig deeper and attack the root causes of corruption, not just the symptoms.

Fighting the Corruption Monster

Corruption feeds on social norms. When corruption entrenches itself in societies, it’s like a weed that grows out of control. Laws aren’t strong enough to get rid of it. Instead, people submit to it, following the status quo and fearing the social backlash if they don’t.

But guess what? There’s hope yet. Thanks to Rwanda and Georgia, we’re seeing what’s possible when countries tackle corruption at its roots. They weren’t messing around – they implemented both technical and societal changes to fight corruption, and the results? They’re seriously impressive.

Georgia decided to keep it simple with a straightforward tax code and a one-stop-shop approach to customs clearance procedures. On the other hand, Rwanda revamped its collection and auditing procedures, and both moves had an astonishing impact.

The game-changer? They basically pushed the reset button on their bureaucracies. They got rid of ineffective agencies, brought in efficient ones, simplified administrative procedures, and ensured strict enforcement without room for deviations.

We’re in This Together

If we’re playing to win this battle against corruption, local ownership is key. Reforms need to be driven from within, not imposed from the outside. But it’s not just about getting a quick win, like seeing a jump in customs revenue. It’s about maintaining that momentum, and that needs time, dedication, and strong leadership at the helm.

Penalties for Customs Offences: What You Need to Know

If you’re dealing with customs, better do it the right way. It’s no joke – customs offences can land you in a world of trouble. The East African Community (EAC) Customs Management Act (EAC CMA) has a tight grip on these offences. Penalties range according to the offence committed.

Breaking Down Customs Offences

There’s a bunch of things that can get you into trouble with customs. According to Section 9 of the EAC CMA, you’re in hot water if as an officer you:
– Ask for or accept any payment or reward that you’re not entitled to.
– Enter into an agreement to commit or ignore any act that can potentially defraud customs revenue.

Sections 15 and 21 of the EAC CMA outline other offences such as unauthorized entry/exit into/from a customs area, not following an officer’s orders, impeding a search or examination upon arrival, and more.

Other Customs Offences You Must Know

There is a whole Pandora’s box of ways you can get in trouble if you’re not careful. There are offences related to boarding a vessel, disembarking improperly or removing goods from a customs area without paying, among others.

Transgressions don’t just mean financial penalties. They can also land you in prison. Unauthorized removal of warehoused goods, for instance, can bring you an imprisonment term that can stretch up to two years!

Look, all this might sound intimidating, but at the end of the day, we’re talking about sustainable change. Todd Spodek and the Spodek Law Group know this like no other. With the right ownership, data-driven insights, leadership, and commitment, we can make this world a better place, one customs office at a time.