UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Tapan Mishra, paid a visit to the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (BCBP) where he met with Director John Tarkong and the ASYCUDA national project team. During the meeting, Mr. Mishra was given an overview of the IMPACT project and the progress of ASYCUDA implementation in Palau, which aims to streamline customs processes and enhance trade facilitation. The discussion highlighted the next key step—developing a single window system to further improve efficiency and transparency. Mr. Mishra reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to providing support, advice, and technical expertise. By continuing to modernize and optimize its customs operations, Palau has the potential to set a benchmark for the region and serve as a model for other small island states.
Koror, Palau – February 7, 2025 – The continued efforts of the Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. administration, in conjunction with the National Security Coordinating Office (NSCO), Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (BCBP), Division of Biosecurity (DOB), and Narcotics Enforcement Unit (NEU), in coordination with the Republic of Palau Postal Service (RPPS), are pleased to announce the productive conclusion of the Mail Parcel Interdiction Training. This week-long, intensive program was meticulously designed to enhance the expertise and capabilities of our law enforcement and postal service personnel in identifying and intercepting suspicious mail parcels.
The training convened participants from Customs, Biosecurity, NEU, and the Post Office, totaling 15 dedicated agents. The designed training encompassed a wide array of relevant topics, including advanced screening techniques, identification of illicit substances, proper handling of hazardous materials, and the latest technological advancements in mail security.
“We are incredibly proud of the dedication and hard work demonstrated by all the participants throughout this training,” said Rob Harris, Oceania Activity Manager, of JIATF/W. “Their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our mail system is commendable, and we are confident that the skills and knowledge gained during this training will significantly enhance our interdiction efforts.”
Field experts in key areas featured hands-on exercises, case studies, and real-world scenarios to provide participants with practical experience. Attendees had the opportunity to engage in collaborative discussions and network with peers, further strengthening inter-agency cooperation.
“We extend our gratitude to all the trainers, organizers, and participants who made this training a success,” added Director John Tarkong. “The collective effort and shared expertise have equipped our teams with the tools necessary to effectively combat illegal activities within the mail system.”
As Palau looks to the future, its law enforcement agencies remain steadfast in their collaborative efforts and unwavering dedication to ongoing training and development programs. This commitment ensures that our personnel are thoroughly equipped to address emerging threats and uphold the highest standards of integrity in our postal services.
The Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (BCBP) proudly marks the one-year anniversary of the implementation of the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA), a major milestone in the modernization of Palau’s customs and trade processing system. Since its launch on January 22, 2024, ASYCUDA has significantly enhanced the efficiency of declaration processing for Bills and Manifests, streamlining operations for Stevedores, Shipping Agents, Freight Forwarders, and certified brokers.
The implementation of ASYCUDA has transformed the customs clearance process by reducing manual paperwork, expediting processing times, and improving transparency in trade transactions. Over the past year, stakeholders have benefited from a seamless and more structured approach to customs procedures, ensuring smoother trade facilitation and compliance with international standards.
One of the most significant advancements came in November 2024 with the launch of the first online payment option, allowing users to clear their goods completely online. This digital payment integration has further revolutionized the customs process, providing greater convenience for businesses and individuals while reducing the need for in-person transactions. The success of this initiative underscores Palau’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance trade efficiency and border security.
Looking ahead, BCBP remains committed to continuous innovation and development. Efforts are already underway to further enhance system functionalities, optimize user experience, and integrate additional digital solutions to support border security and trade facilitation. These ongoing initiatives reflect BCBP’s dedication to ensuring effectiveness, efficiency, and a forward-thinking approach to customs management in Palau.
As we move forward, BCBP remains focused on strengthening its digital transformation efforts to better serve the people and businesses of Palau. The Bureau of Customs and Border Protection extends its appreciation to all stakeholders, partners, and users who have contributed to the success of ASYCUDA over the past year. The successful implementation of the ASYCUDAWorld system was supported by the European Union-funded Improving Pacific Islands Customs and Trade (IMPACT) Project implemented by the UN Trade and Development.
A delegation from the Republic of Marshall Islands Tax Reform and Modernization Commission recently wrapped up their visit to the Republic of Palau, participating in a comprehensive exchange of knowledge on digital transformation in customs and trade through #ASYCUDAWorld.
During their visit, the delegation observed the implementation and operation of the ASYCUDAWorld system for customs clearances at the Palau Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (BCBP).
Special thanks to the Resident ASYCUDA Expert, Mr. Mohammed Rizwan Khan, for the insightful live demonstration of the system. His presentation showcased how ASYCUDAWorld is transforming trade processes and enhancing the collection of the Palau Goods and Services Tax (PGST). This visit underscores the importance of regional collaboration in driving reforms that shape customs and trade, paving the way for better opportunities and stronger economies throughout the region.
Palau, December 19, 2024 – A blue 2014 Nissan Rogue was officially donated to the Palau Bureau of Customs and Border Protection today as a gesture of appreciation for its steadfast dedication to securing the nation’s borders.
The vehicle, donated by the Office of the Vice President and the Ministry of Justice, was presented in a ceremony held in front of the Vice President’s Office. Asterio Takashi, representing the Vice President’s Office, formally handed over the vehicle to Director John Tarkong Jr. of the Bureau of Customs. Director Tarkong Jr. was accompanied by Chief Robert Tarkong of the Division of Corporate Services and Senior Officer/OIC Poland Masaharu of the Division of Revenue & Trade Facilitation.
Director Tarkong Jr. expressed deep gratitude for the continued support from the Vice President’s Office and the Ministry of Justice. He emphasized that the Nissan Rogue, in excellent condition, will greatly enhance the Bureau’s operations, particularly in facilitating revenue-related tasks and daily transmittals managed by the Division of Revenue & Trade Facilitation.
“This holiday season, we reflect on the importance of kindness and gratitude,” remarked Asterio Takashi. “It’s an honor to present this vehicle as a token of appreciation for the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection and its hardworking staff, who tirelessly ensure the safety and security of our nation.”
The donation underscores the commitment of Palau’s leadership to supporting essential government functions, especially those safeguarding the country’s borders.
[16 December 2024; Republic of Palau] In a major step toward enhancing efficiency and streamlining trade processes, the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (BCBP) of the Republic of Palau has implemented an electronic payment system.
This innovative solution developed by the United Nations Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD) ASYCUDA Pacific Programme, allows traders and importers to pay customs duties and taxes online, eliminating the need for physical visits to the customs office.
The e-payment system is designed by the ASYCUDA expert as requested by BCBP, to significantly reduce the time required for customs payments, enabling users to complete transactions instantaneously from anywhere, at any time.
The real-time nature of the e-payment system ensures that payments are reflected instantly in the ASYCUDA system (an automated customs management software), facilitating immediate access to receipts.
The development of this system over the last few months marks a significant milestone in Palau’s efforts to integrate digital solutions into its customs procedures, ultimately benefiting the trade community and contributing to the nation’s economic growth.
Therefore, importers can now make secure payments online, further streamlining the import process and enhancing overall efficiency.
During the official launch of the e-payment system, the President of the Republic of Palau, Mr. Surangel Whipps Jr. shared that the process was ongoing for the last two years.
“Today we celebrate the start of the online payment system,” Mr. Whipps Jr. said.
“Ultimately our goal was to modernize the system, to make it more efficient, to make it more customer friendly. And part of the efficiency is to make sure it gets done quickly so people don’t have to wait,” he highlighted.
Noting that change is often difficult, Mr. Whipps Jr. further acknowledged the businesses and public for adapting to the initiative.
The UN Trade and Development’s Regional Coordinator for Asia and the Pacific, Mr. Jayvee Santos, said Palau implemented the online program with a remarkable speed.
“Palau was able to do it in a matter of months and it is a great testament to coordination between Customs and other government teams, and motivation for innovation,” Mr. Santos stated.
The successful implementation of the e-payment system was supported by the European Union funded Improving Pacific Islands Customs and Trade (IMPACT) Project implemented by the UN Trade and Development.
For more information about the new e-payment system, please visit website: https://bcbp.pw/ or contact the BCBP.
A simple video demonstrating the step-by-step guide to using the e-payment system is also available to users here: https://bcbp.pw/?p=4256.
The Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (BCBP) proudly congratulates Customs Officer II Ashley Adelbai on being named the Ministry of Finance (MOF) Employee of the Year for 2024. This prestigious recognition highlights Ashley’s exceptional contributions to the Bureau, her leadership within the ASYCUDA national project team, and her unwavering dedication to advancing the efficiency and effectiveness of customs operations.
Since joining the ASYCUDA project in 2022, Ashley has been instrumental in its successful implementation, providing critical user support, leading training sessions, and developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that have greatly benefited the Bureau. Her ability to balance her primary duties with her responsibilities on the project has been exemplary, ensuring smooth operational transitions while fostering confidence among her colleagues.
Ashley’s commitment to professional growth is equally commendable, having earned Certificates III and IV in Customs Administration, reflecting her expertise across all facets of customs operations. Her diligence, adaptability, and problem-solving skills have been key to her success and have made her an invaluable asset to the Bureau.
On behalf of the entire Bureau, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Ashley for this well-deserved honor. Her hard work and dedication embody the values of the BCBP, and we are proud to celebrate her achievements.
[13 November 2024; Koror, Palau] The Republic of Palau’s Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (BCBP) received an advanced server to host the recently implemented ASYCUDA, a state-of-the-art customs management software, streamlining customs and border processes.
The arrival of the upgraded server marks a significant step in enhancing Palau’s customs infrastructure.
The Director of the Republic of Palau’s Bureau of Customs and Border Protection, Mr. John Tarkong Jr. said the server will become the backbone of the administration’s operations.
“It will manage customer databases, process online transactions, and store critical business data and without this server, our current modern businesses would struggle to operate efficiently and compete in the digital marketplace,” Mr. Tarkong Jr. stated.
Consequently, the server will allow BCBP to implement access controls, encryption, and data backups to safeguard sensitive information deemed “crucial in an era of increasing cyber threats and data breaches,” Mr. Tarkong Jr. said,”
The server is designed for high performance, reliability, and scalability, ensuring it can handle numerous simultaneous requests from clients.
Previously, BCBP relied on an older server to run ASYCUDA, which constrained the system’s performance, limiting reliability and scalability.
With the new server, BCBP now has greater processing power and expanded storage capacity, enabling faster transaction processing, improved data handling, and more efficient real-time communication with customs stakeholders.
This upgrade will support Palau’s ongoing efforts to modernize and optimize its customs operations.
The purchase of the new server was made through the European Union funded Improving Pacific Islands Customs and Trade (IMPACT) Project implemented by the UN Trade and Development.
The UN Trade and Development’s Regional Coordinator for the ASYCUDA Programme in the Asia and the Pacific, Mr. Jayvee Santos, said the Programme was proud to support the initiative.
“The high-performance servers supplied through the EU-funded IMPACT project will play a crucial role in modernizing the BCBP’s infrastructure. They will enable the handling of increasing volumes of data with greater speed and security, bringing additional resources to interface with other government systems, and prepare for the implementation of an electronic Single Window system,” Mr. Santos said.
KOROR, PALAU — In our efforts to eradicate illegal drug use from homes and schools, Xie Xie to Republic of China – Taiwan for their donation of field drug tests.
The tests can be used by public safety officers at the Bureau of Public Safety, Customs and Border Protection, Palau International Airport and the Palau Post Office to test for illegal substances. The test kits can provide results for various substances in about 5 minutes.
H.E. Ambassador Jessica C. Lee and a team of investigators from Taiwan presented the test kits to President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. and members of the Coordinated Border Management Working Group on Oct. 25, 2024.
