DILI, 19 october 2023 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste Customs Authority reported that although Timor-Leste already has the Tibar Port up and running with modern technology, many importing companies still prefer to import goods into the country via the land border.
Import companies always import goods through the border area of Bobonaro, known as the Batugade post.
The goods are usually delivered to the Indonesian ports of Atapupu and then transported to Batugade.
“The important thing is to ensure strict control of the import of goods into the country,” Customs Authority Commissioner José António Fátima Abílio told Tatoli.
The reason companies choose to import goods across the border is that it’s easier and cheaper.
The Commissioner said that, unlike Tibar Port, there are no costs for moving and unloading goods at the Atapupu port.
“The difference is that if they choose to import goods through the port of Tibar, they will have to pay port services fees,” he said.
Recently, the authority installed vehicle scales at the Batugade border post to facilitate import services.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
