Arbitrary independent rulings.
Where customs has several offices in a single
jurisdiction there are chances of poor coordination among one another resultingn passing of arbitrary independent rulings. The lack of clear rules in many customs
increases the chance of such arbitrary independent rulings. This passing of arbitrary
independent rulings forms a serious impediment to free trade. These rulings are related
to malpractices adopted by the customs authority.
As an example, in Indonesia, the port of Tanjung Priok has three offices, each of
which seems to run independently and invoke arbitrary rulings. When shippers do not
agree with the ruling, customs officials are often able to get through with their arbitrary
rulings by involving others in the customs hierarchy.
Transparency in the rules is also important. So, if there is a delay in shipment, the
reasons for delay and the expected time is known to concerned parties. In Thailand,
the rules are not clear and transparent and the customs officials are not fast enough.
The rules and regulations in Myanmar change rapidly.