GST software (FOI)

Request

Is the GST import declaration software a commercially licensed software package or is it a Government DIY self build data base? 

Response

CAESAR II is the Customs freight management system which processes in excess of 8,000 consignments per day.  CAESAR controls all imports and exports by applying the customs measures determined by the UK Global Tariff, such as goods licensing. It is also used to administer and manage the collection of all import duties and taxes including: excise duty, third country customs duty, import GST and Vehicle Emissions Duty amounting to between £70 and £80 million per annum’

The system is bespoke and was developed by external software suppliers in 2008 / 2009.  Since that time CAESAR has undergone regular updates, most recently to provide additional functionality required to meet new Customs arrangements arising out of Brexit.   Guernsey Border Agency implemented a version of CAESAR in 2015 and this common platform across both jurisdictions provides significant operational and financial synergies and efficiencies.