By Sue-Ann Wayow

FULL restoration of the Automated System for Customs Data (ASCUYADA) is expected by Saturday almost one week since it went down.

However, one business chamber president expressed concern that businesses continued to be affected negatively by the disruption.

On Thursday, President of the Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce (CCIC) Baldath Maharaj told AZP News: “While we acknowledge that the system is reportedly operational and that full restoration is expected by Saturday, it is troubling that this update is being issued midweek when the disruption began on Monday and continues to affect businesses across the country.

“This delay in communication and resolution has left many importers, exporters, customs brokers, and SME’s in a difficult position, facing high demurrage fees, storage costs, and missed deadlines that impact cash flow.”

He said the extended disruption exposed vulnerability.

Most SME’s do not have the financial resources  to absorb these kinds of delays, Maharaj said with many members having stalled shipments and the risk of cancelled orders due to the extended downtime.

He said, “These are not minor inconveniences, these are serious disruptions to business continuity in a challenging economic environment.”

Maharaj urged the Customs and Excise Division to not only ensure the promised restoration by Saturday but also to take specific actions going forward.

A full debrief should be issued to explain the cause and how it will be handled if this happens in future he said.

Maharaj said, “We are being told that ASYCUDA and the port are controlled by different ministries so waiver of port rent for storage charges directly resulting from this disruption, should be considered.

“Most importantly, a clear contingency plan must be implemented and communicated to ensure that future system issues do not completely paralyze the flow of trade. Communication must also be improved, with real-time updates and clear timelines made available to all stakeholders.”

He too has asked that the relevant authorities address the matter with urgency, transparency, proper debrief, and effective contingency planning.

On Wednesday, the Customs Clerks and Customs Brokers Association of Trinidad and Tobago (CCCBA) called for the immediate repair of the ASYCUDA as well as long term sustainability.