iCMS – Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS) is set to replace the Simba System. iCMS will streamline customs operations as well as automate manual operations.
iCMS is a robust intelligent system that consolidates all customs cargo clearance processes to one point of access with a view to improving customer experiences.
Modules in iCMS System
All Customs Business Processes implemented as modules/ modules in one system to support efficient
clearance of Cargo. The iCMS systems is comprised of the following modules:
Manifest
Clearing
Licensing
Exemption
Bonds
Valuation
CFS Modules
Gates
Risk Management
Tariffs
Borders Process
Benefits of the iCMS System
Reduction in the cost of paying taxes
Expanded the tax payment channels
Reduction in the cargo clearance time
Re-engineering the customs processes
Enhancing AEO Programme (Vessel to truck)
Paperless Environment
Integrating with systems in the supply chain
Document Management System
Increased Compliance
Level playing ground for trade
Increased revenue collection
Stakeholders of the iCMS System
In a public notice issued yesterday (14th June 2019) by the KRA Commissioner Customs and Border Control, KRA seeks to notify the Shipping Lines/Agents, Importers, Exporters, Clearing and Forwarding Agents, Consolidators and all other parties that are related to cargo clearance process of the commencement of the implementation of the Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS) at the port of Mombasa, Inland Container Depot Nairobi and the Border Stations.
Cargo Clearance Documentation
With the new iCMS system, the following cargo documentations will be submitted through the system for all cargo whose expected date of arrival/exit is 7th July 2019. This includes the following:
Import Declaration Forms (IDFs)
Sea Manifests / Baplie / IAR
Security Bonds
Cargo Declarations
Exemptions
In the public notice, the stakeholders are also supposed to take note of the following:
Sea manifests (Imports/Exports) will only be submitted in iCMS through system to system data exchange 48 hours before vessel arrival/departure.
All house manifests must include the Courier/Consolidator PIN to enable cargo deconsolidation process.
Cargo handlers are required to ensure their systems are ready to receive system to system Custom Release Messages (CUSRES) as manual releases will be discontinued.
The iCMS training nd user creation is also currently ongoing. If you wish / desire to be trained, you should send an email to:[email protected]
Matthews Ohotto is a holder of Second Class Honours Upper Division Degree in Business Information Technology (Bachelor of Business Information Technology – BBIT) from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). He is the Founder of both Cyber.co.ke Portal(an online portal that focuses on offering better KRA Services to Kenyans both locally and globally) and Cyber.co.ke Blog.
