Key features of the ACTS include a temporary suspension of import duties and taxes, simplified and harmonised customs procedures, and reduced paperwork. The system links all customs offices at points of departure, border crossings and destinations across the region to simplify and speed up customs clearance formalities and provide detailed real time data on goods in transit. Goods can be transported across borders with a single guarantee covering all the countries involved in the transit operation and without the need to transfer the goods to a different truck in each country. According to Pirithivaraj, the less time spent in transit also means improved working conditions for drivers, ‘They don’t have to wait long at every border and can perform better’.

‘When we move goods under ACTS, the benefits that we obtain as the logistics service operator are also passed to our client, importer, exporter or manufacturer’, Pirithivaraj added. ‘At the end of the day, it is all about trust between public and private sector and systems such as ACTS provide for a perfect cooperation medium’.