After several delays, Treasurer Ueligitone Tonumaipe’a has issued an announcement saying that the M60 container scanner will be officially launched April 3rd.
Tonumaipe’a issued a March 20 letter titled: Full implementation of Public Law 34-14 (including Official Department of Treasury Customs Division x-ray (Rapiscan) Launch and warehouse inspection fees.
It says: “Public Law 34-19 went into effect on December 14, 2016 which states in part: An act allowing customs agents to search and inspect any and all vessels, aircraft, and persons entering or leaving the Territory including the use of x-ray scanners to inspect all containers, loose cargo, parcels, and merchandise; amending sections 27.1003 and 27.1018 American Samoa Code Annotated. ”
According to the Treasurer, “While we have experienced some unfortunate delays due to unforeseen shipping issues and to ensure we completed all the required equipment and safety training, the Department of Treasury Customs Division is happy to announce the official launch of the M60 container scanner on April 3, 2017.”
Public Law 34-19 section 27.1018, now includes a fee for customs service fees at the port warehouse or wherever customs officers attendance is required.
Treasurer Tonumaipe’a said, “On behalf of the entire Treasury Department, we wish to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved with making this launch possible and we look forward to working with the general public, shipping agents, stevedoring companies, Port Administration and any and all other related departments and agencies.”
ASG purchased four scanners. three of which arrived last October.
Two were put to use in mid December when the container scanner law went into effect.
The law includes a schedule of fees that importers of goods used for commercial purposes must pay. The fees range from $10 to $100.
A total of $6 million from the proceeds of the sale of bonds by the American Samoa Economic Development Authority financed the scanners.
