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In an interview with the Korea IT Times, Kim said that the KCS formed a committee last year to reduce export and import clearance times from the recent 9.6 days to less than five days. In a bold statement, he labeled it the "World's Best Customs Committee".
As part of its effort, the KCS introduced the Monthly Lump-Sum Payment System, under which cargoes are permitted to leave without payment while tax is paid later on a monthly basis. The KCS also slashed the number of checklists at Customs, while Busan Port and Incheon Airport Customs now work around the clock.
"These efforts have begun to pay off in some areas since May, and if we continue to push ahead with the project, I am sure we will see more tangible results in the near future," Kim said. "We will work very hard to bring down the clearance time to less than five days."
In fact, the KCS has been at this for quite a long time. The KCS successfully cut the cargo clearance time to 7.5 days from 9.6 days and the declaration time for travelers to 25 minutes from 45 minutes by May.
He also said KCS's electronic system, which allows for electronic reports on imports and exports, has significantly simplified customs clearance processes, while, at the same time, saved money and labor. The KCS will also step up its effort to set up an online database in collaboration with the government to encourage innovation in commerce, he said.
In an effort to lead regional development and prosperity in East Asia, Kim proposed the Seoul Initiative at the 5th ASEM Customs DG-Commissioner Meeting, held in Seoul last year.
"By taking a leading role in discussions on regional free trade agreements and specific plans for that, Korea is now in a position to lead future economic cooperation in East Asia," he said.
