BELIZE CITY, Mon. Jan. 27, 2020– The Belize Customs and Excise Department celebrated International Customs Day by hosting an information fair in the parking lot of the Belize Civic Center last Friday. Traditionally, Customs personnel are seen at the borders and airports checking the contents of luggage and enforcing the taxation laws in regards to bringing cargo in and out of the country. Recently, however, the department’s functions have expanded to trade facilitation and security, which was one of the key topics discussed at the fair.

The theme highlighted on this year’s International Customs Day is “Customs Fostering Sustainability for People, Prosperity and the Planet”. Students from primary and secondary schools across the city were invited to visit the various booths at the fair, which were hosted by a number of Customs and Excise Department partners, such as Atlantic Bank, BELTRAIDE, the Department of Fisheries and the Environment, the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), and the Bureau of Standards and Climate Change.

In addition to those institutions, Customs had representation for at least main six sections of their department, including a newly implemented Investigation/Enforcement Unit. The Enforcement Unit has been tasked with monitoring the unmanned areas of the country where security may be lacking and infractions are frequently committed.

In light of the frequent suspected drug plane landings in the country, a great deal of responsibility lies with this unit to utilize their manpower to the best of their abilities to combat the transportation of illicit substances and contraband items through Belize.

The Customs and Excise Department also takes on other responsibilities that are vital to the revenue streams gained via international trade. The new Trade Unit of the department manages these trade agreements to ensure that the stipulations are enforced at all times.
Although the Commissioner of the Customs and Excise Department could not be contacted to comment on the success of the fair, it has been confirmed that over one hundred students and visitors attended the fair last Friday.

Feature photo: Students visiting the information booth asking questions