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DTIS, Volume I - Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF)

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CHAPTER 6<br />

CUSTOMS SERVICES AND TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE<br />

Chapter Plan<br />

This chapter focuses on the services that facilitate trade in the Maldives, keeping in mind<br />

that tourism and fishery are the most important trading sectors. Currently, over 600,000<br />

tourists a year visit the country, with projections for continuing growth. This requires<br />

adequate airport, port and transport transfer facilities to service this volume of visitors in<br />

addition to efficient importation processes for the inputs – ranging from construction<br />

materials for building and maintenance work on the resorts to food, beverages, and other<br />

consumer goods - required by the tourism sector. The fishery sector also depends on the<br />

importation of critical inputs such as fuel, boat engines and other fishing gear. Fishery<br />

exports are mostly perishable goods and therefore depend on efficient export processes.<br />

The chapter begins by examining the Maldives Customs Services and issues for<br />

improving operational efficiency and effectiveness before going on to consider the main<br />

functional challenges for transport services and recommendations for reform.<br />

I. Role, Structure and Organisation of the Maldives Customs Services<br />

The Maldives Customs Service (MCS) operates under the aegis of the Ministry of<br />

Finance and Treasury. The MCS employs 500 officers in two main locations, which are<br />

Male’ port and Male’ airport, in the capital. There are additional officers at some regional<br />

airports such as the Gan Airport. The MCS is responsible for collecting import and<br />

export taxes. In 2004, total revenue collection was Rf 1,136.6 million (US$ 89.7 million)<br />

with an administrative budget of Rf 41.4 (US$ 3.2 Million).<br />

The role and responsibilities of the MCS are derived from the Export and Import Law<br />

31/79 and supporting departmental regulations. The main functions of the MCS can be<br />

summarized as follows:<br />

• To monitor and control the movement of passengers, goods and conveyances<br />

arriving in and departing from the Republic of Maldives.<br />

• To administer all functions relating to import and export.<br />

• To protect and efficiently collect customs revenue.<br />

• To protect the community and ensure compliance with Maldivian law.<br />

The organization chart of MCS is depicted below<br />

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