Trade Compliance

Under provisions contained within the Customs Code (Decree Law 14/2017), we are legally entitled to search any goods, person, vehicle or other conveyance that enters or exits the territory of Timor-Leste. This is a power that we take very seriously, and our aim is to only stop and search those persons or consignments (goods) that we consider could pose some level of risk. When making this assessment, we take into account a number of factors, including: your previous compliance history with us and other relevant government agencies; the type of goods, and where they are arriving from or going to; and any information received from other partner agencies. On some occasions, we may stop and search you or your goods to confirm that you are following the rules.

Under provisions contained within the Customs Code (Decree Law 14/2017), we are legally entitled to search any goods, person, vehicle or other conveyance that enters or exits the territory of Timor-Leste. This is a power that we take very seriously, and our aim is to only stop and search those persons or consignments (goods) that we consider could pose some level of risk. When making this assessment, we take into account a number of factors, including: your previous compliance history with us and other relevant government agencies; the type of goods, and where they are arriving from or going to; and any information received from other partner agencies. On some occasions, we may stop and search you or your goods to confirm that you are following the rules.

Under provisions contained within the Customs Code (Decree Law 14/2017), we are legally entitled to search any goods, person, vehicle or other conveyance that enters or exits the territory of Timor-Leste. This is a power that we take very seriously, and our aim is to only stop and search those persons or consignments (goods) that we consider could pose some level of risk. We assess this risk by using risk management, which is a fundamental control technique utilized by most public and private companies and institutions worldwide. It allows us to target and tackle risk and also facilitate legitimate trade.

By using risk management, we can make an assessment on whether you are compliant or non-compliant. In other words, whether you are trying to follow the rules or not. If we determine that you are being voluntarily compliant then we will try and ensure that most of your goods are routed green lane (without inspection). This means that your goods will be released quickly, thereby saving you both time and money, providing you with a competitive edge in the marketplace.

Voluntary compliance means that you carefully follow the relevant rules and regulations, and actively take measures to ensure that you comply with regulatory requirements. If we determine that you are being voluntarily compliant then we will try and ensure that most of your goods are routed green lane. This means that your goods will be released quickly, thereby saving you both time and money, providing you with a competitive edge in the marketplace.

Assisted compliance means that you are trying to comply with the rules or regulations, but you do not always succeed, and you could do better with appropriate guidance and help. If you are trying to comply, we can offer you or your broker assistance by providing access to written guidance or information booklets, and by delivering appropriate training or workshops. If you are unsure on any aspect of the import or export process or other related activities, you should always speak to us first. Once we are satisfied that you are following the rules correctly, we will inspect less of your consignments.

Directed compliance means that you do not take any effective measures to try and comply with the relevant rules or regulations. In more simple terms, you would avoid complying if you thought you could get away with it. Failure to follow the rules or regulations will not be tolerated, and we will take firm action against you where appropriate. This may include: Inspecting all of your consignments every time; Issuing you with penalties that can range from $250 to $10,000; Taking legal action and prosecuting you at court; and Suspending or revoking your customs broker operating license.

Enforced compliance means that you deliberately avoid following the rules, and undertake efforts to smuggle, under-value or misclassify your goods. Failure to follow the rules or regulations will not be tolerated, and we will take firm action against you where appropriate. This may include: Inspecting all of your consignments every time; Issuing you with penalties that can range from $250 to $10,000; Taking legal action and prosecuting you at court; and Suspending or revoking your customs broker operating license.

After you have lodged your declaration within ASYCUDA World, your consignment will be routed one of three different ways. “Red Lane” means that your consignment will be physically inspected by a customs officer. In some cases, and depending upon the type of goods, this examination may include a representative from another government agency. For example, if your consignment includes live animals, it is likely that an official from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries will also be present.

After you have lodged your declaration within ASYCUDA World, your consignment will be routed one of three different ways. “Yellow Lane” means that your declaration, and the documents that you submitted, will be examined by a customs officer. In the event that irregularities are identified, then your consignment may be routed to the red lane for physical examination. As with the red lane, these checks may be undertaken on behalf of other government agencies.

After you have lodged your declaration within ASYCUDA World, your consignment will be routed one of three different ways. “Blue Lane means that your consignment will be immediately released upon payment of the relevant duties and taxes, however, we will examine the documents at a later date to confirm that everything was in order.

Any consignment not selected by red lane, yellow lane or blue lane, is sent to the “Green Lane”. This means that once you have paid the relevant duties and taxes, your goods are immediately released without the need for any type of inspection. In some cases, we may still want to inspect goods that have been sent green lane, however; this should not happen on a regular basis, and if it does, you should ask to speak with a customs manager or supervisor.

Yes: In some cases, we may still want to inspect goods that have been sent green lane, however, this should not happen on a regular basis, and if it does, you should ask to speak with a customs manager or supervisor.

Yes: Under Article 61 of the Customs Code (Decree Law 14/2017), we can seek authority through the Criminal Procedure Code to enter your premises to gain access to records, whether paper or electronic. Under normal circumstances, however, we will only visit your business premises by appointment and with your agreement.