Report of the OTO Advisory Council (April 12, 1993)

3-(2) Improving service to payers of customs duties by using SEA-NACCS

1. Complainant: Keidanren

2. Ministry concerned: Ministry of Finance

3. Complaint:

SEA-NACCS (Nippon Automated Cargo Clearance System for maritime cargo) is a computer system for the purpose of making the customs clearance procedure of maritime cargo efficiently and accurately. Customs clearance formalities can be carried out by inputting or outputting data through terminals installed in offices of users, which include customs, customs brokers, and banks. The system is operated by Nippon Automated Cargo Clearance system Operations Organization (NACCS Center), the corporation with the approval of the Minister of Finance. The costs related to the systems operation such as fees with regard to the host computer, the terminals and the administrative expenses are shared by the users.

Large importers use the comprehensive payment system, remitting customs duties and consumption tax in a lump sum for each month. In this case, customs duties are usually calculated on the basis of information supplied by customs brokers. But the information is sometimes incorrect because of broker's error and the importers, to avoid arrears in customs duties, have up to now obtained a breakdown of customs duties from the customs authorities to verify the amount of customs duties beforehand. Since the NACCS was introduced, however, this exchange of papers with the customs authorities no longer takes place, and as the importers themselves do not use NACCS, it is difficult for them to make a prior check of the amount of customs duties.

To remedy this situation, the complainant requests that customs authorities or the NACCS Center provide an information service for payers of customs authorities or the NACCS Center provide an information service for payers of customs duties, and that a research committee of experts from the public and private sectors be set up to examine the system and any problems it may have, and the issue of cost-defrayment if necessary.

4. Results of deliberation:

This complaint concerns improving the services provided by the NACCS Center, which operates the SEA-NACCS. The complainant should first collect and arrange the demands of expectants to use this service and identify them in detail.

After that, the complainant and the NACCS Center should discuss the issues involved in improving the Center's services and resolve the problem in a manner satisfying all parties.

Regarding this matter, the complainant has agreed to take the necessary steps and is currently collecting information on user's demands.

Government decision (May 27, 1993)

The claimant and the NACCS Center should hold full consultations to improve the service to those who have paid customs duties using SEA-NACCS.