Country Correspondent: Mukhta Toofanee

While it is a tradition for the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) to celebrate International Customs Day every year, it also customary by the MRA to launch new projects on that particular day. Three projects which were launched and worth mentioning are:

1. Body-worn camera

This is an innovative and fully automated project. Such cameras, which are fitted with audio, Wi-Fi, storage capacities and real time viewing of images functionalities, will be used by Customs Officers during examinations of goods. Through this medium, examining Customs Officers will be able to communicate with the officers at the Customs Department on issues related to valuation, tariff classification, IPR infringements, prohibited and restricted goods, counterfeit goods and illicit goods in real time. This initiative has strengthened the integrity of the system.

1. Mobile Apps - ‘Drug-free Moris’

This mobile application was fully developed in-house by the Customs Department of the Mauritius Revenue Authority in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Drug-Free Moris aims to raise awareness among people of the ill effects of drugs and is embedded with features describing the different types of drugs, prevention methods, treatment centres, etc. It also provides a secure platform for anonymous reporting of illicit trafficking in Mauritius.

(c) Disaster Preparedness Guide (DPG)

The Guide provides a proactive approach in terms of risk reduction and preparedness by identifying critical vulnerabilities likely to impact on the MRA and the putting in place of appropriate counter measures to mitigate them. The Guide also consists of an IT Business Continuity Plan, which details the recovery procedures of critical information systems and related data connectivity infrastructure in time of natural and man-made disasters, epidemic or pandemic disease, etc.

Further details and information on further projects may be consulted on the following link https://www.mra.mu/download/PressRelease270121.pdf