From Left: Akram Khan (Area Head, SEA Maersk Customs Services), Vergi Andriyanto (ASEAN Secretariat - Central Management Team) and Teuku Rizal Johan (Indonesia Product Head Maersk Customs Services)
On 5 July 2024, the ASEAN Secretariat welcomed Maersk Logistics & Services Southeast Asia on their visit to the ASEAN Headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia, for a meeting focused on the ASEAN Customs Transit System (ACTS). This meeting highlighted the significant advancements and benefits that ACTS offers to traders within the ASEAN region.
Enhancing ASEAN Connectivity. The objective of the meeting is to facilitate updates on the readiness of ACTS, which include the benefits of Cross Border trucking. ACTS is available along a North-South corridor through Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, and an East-West corridor through Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Vietnam. There are plans to expand the use of ACTS to Brunei, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Benefiting Transporters and Drivers. Mutual recognition by the Member States on transport documents, including vehicle inspection certificates and driving licenses, results in minimal movement restrictions on approved trucks or drivers.
Accelerating Trade. ACTS facilitates cross-border trade by allowing traders and customs brokers to submit a single electronic customs declaration. This system enables the seamless movement of goods from the point of departure, through transit, to the point of destination. By temporarily suspending import duties and taxes, ACTS simplifies customs clearance formalities, thereby enhancing the efficiency of regional trade operations.
Maersk Customs Services (MCS) will continue to work in close collaboration with the ASEAN Secretariat to enhance the best model on Cross Border clearance flows that can be derived from the ACTS framework.