A major change being proposed in an American Samoa administration bill seeking to overhaul customs regulations would allow fuel importers to have their fuel imports released before payment of excise taxes.
At present payment of excise is required from fuel importers when shipments come in.
Under the new provision in the customs bill, an importer who has an agreement with the ASG setting forth time limits for payment and penalties for delinquent payment, can receive the products before payment of excise fall due.
The bill also allows customs agents to conduct spot searches of any one suspected of carrying contraband and doubles customs fees and charges.
