A great first. A public entity has been ISO 9001-2015 certified. This is the Malagasy Customs Value Center. The official presentation of this distinction of practical international significance took place yesterday at the Louvre Antaninarenina hotel.
During this ceremony, Ernest Lainkana Zafivanona, Director General of Customs, highlighted that “previously, the estimation of these values was outsourced in partnership with two companies. Since August 2021, following the orientations and areas of modernization of customs services, it has been decided to take charge of this operation. There was a time when the output values in question were criticized and denounced by users for their subjective characteristics. Obtaining ISO 9001-2015 attests to the credibility of the work accomplished and constitutes a guarantee of confidence for those concerned.”
In concrete terms, “ISO 9001 is a quality management standard recognized throughout the world. It helps organizations of all sizes, regardless of sector, improve their performance, meet their customers’ expectations and demonstrate their commitment to quality. Its requirements define how a quality management system (QMS) should be established, implemented, maintained and continually improved.
Ernest Lainkana Zafivanona wanted to clarify that “only the Customs Value Center has had this recognition of being at the level of international standards and not the entire Administration”. He revealed that “80% of customs fraud takes place on these assessments which are calculated by the country of origin of the imports according to which the products are exempt from customs taxes but subject to other taxes. The quality and quantity which define the tax base. And finally the tariff species”.
This takeover of value is among the thirty-one programs to modernize the customs administration for greater efficiency in the service of economic development.
Eric Ranjalahy