Customs Management System. The Payment Instruction (P.I) message reaches Customs and his/her Commercial Bank simultaneously. Upon receipt of the PI message the Bank credit Customs’ Account and sends an updated message to the declarant and Customs. It is to be noted that as soon as the PI message is received at Customs the duties and taxes are considered as paid and the Bill of Entry can be processed. Network Infrastructure, Hardware and Software The importer/declarant must have a Front-End System to be able to send the Payment Instruction and make prior arrangement with his/her Bank. For acquisition of a Front-End System, application by prospective declarants needs be submitted to Customs for approval. Once approved the service provider for Customs, shall proceed with the installation and training to the applicant. Pilot Testing With the collaboration of a few selected e-payment users, Payment Service Provider and Customs will carry out a pilot test to ensure correct sending/receipt of payment message updates and confirm that Customs A/C is credited. Time Frame for Project Completion This project is feasible in 6 to 12 months following awareness campaign with stakeholders and enhancement of Front-End System and the national Customs Automated System to allow the electronic payment messaging. Project Challenges · Stakeholders’ education and acceptability as the e-payment system is still new. · For the e-payment system to take off successfully, the stakeholder should be fully confident that the platform is secured. · Insufficient funds in the stakeholders’ bank account at time PI is sent. · Wrong input of Bank Account No. in the PI message by stakeholder. · Ensure that this new mode of payment is backed by appropriate legal mechanisms 25 Draft SADC Customs ICT Strategy 2012 Page 25