American Samoa Governor, Togiola Tulafono, has asked the Fono to approve a bill which will double customs service fees
Under the proposal, attendance of customs officers at any place other than port of entry will increase from $15 a day to $30
Customs attendance outside regular business hours will go up to $15 per hour from the current $7.50 per hour, and granting customs clearance to non commercial vessels will be $50 per entry or departure, up from the current $25.
Fifty per cent of the extra revenue generated will be used to supplement the purchase of customs inspection equipment, uniforms, sustain the Drug Detection Dog program, provide for computer and/or automation upgrades and provide for bonuses and/or incentives for officers.
An airline official says the proposed hike for doing business outside regular business hours will affect the airline industry and the proposed new charge will be passed on to the traveling public.
