CUSTOMS
Page 36
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DEPS SHUTDOWN DATES • The Customs and Excise entry processing computer service (DEPS) is to be temporarily withdrawn for two short periods in November and December. This is to allow importers or exporters which clear goods by the computerised Direct Trader Input system to join Customs in two nationwide tests of the computer system that takes account of the Customs 88 changes to be introduced on 1 January, 1988.
The tests — a dress rehearsal for Customs 88 — will be confined to computer processing using centrally-prepared test-scripts. Each test will last for two hours and will mean that the DEPS services will be unavailable for about three hours on each occasion. Scheduled times and dates are: El Wednesday 25 November (12.00-15.00hrs) 0 Wednesday 9 December (10.00-13.00hrs).
Customs regrets the need for the tests at the busiest time of year, but the importance of the Customs 88 changes for both Customs and traders is an over-riding consideration. The department says it will make every effort to facilitate urgent clearances of good during the testing period and the recovery of any backlog which may follow.
Customs will be contacting all DTI users to secure their participation in the test sessions and will be asking freight forwarders, road hauliers, and importers to limit their operations as far as possible while the system is out of service.
Customs says maximum participation by the trade is essential to ensure the success of the tests which will prove the integrity of the new system and give the trade useful familiarisation and confidence for 1 January, 1988.
Detailed information is available from Customer, or Trade Test and Cutover Liaison Officers at each DTI location, or from Customs Headquarters (01-928 0533, ext 2228 or 2539). Al] DTI users will receive full details in a test package as well as local briefings.