The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), as the peak body representing the private sector, successfully hosted an information and awareness session for its members with the Solomon Islands Customs and Excise Division (SICED) on Thursday, 18 September 2025.
The session was convened to provide SICCI members and private sector businesses—many of whom are actively engaged in international trade—with up-to-date information on Customs and Excise requirements, processes, and procedures for imports and exports.
Customs and Excise Division plays a critical role in the process of trade facilitation, border protection, compliance, and revenue collection.
The private sector, as the engine of economic growth, relies heavily on effective, transparent, and predictable systems administered under SICED’s mandate.
During discussions, SICCI members highlighted the importance of ensuring that Customs systems are supportive of trade facilitation.
Time delays in the clearance and movement of goods translate directly into revenue losses for businesses.
Members also received guidance on trade rules and regulations, including the management of banned and prohibited goods and the risks of falsification of documents, to safeguard compliance.
SICCI further used this platform to reiterate its call for the fast-tracking of the National Single Window system.
This digital platform will harmonize and streamline trade processes across all relevant government agencies, reducing costs and processing times while significantly improving the ease of doing business.
“We acknowledge SICED for responding to our call for this important session. Strengthening the relationship between Customs and the private sector is vital to ensuring that trade is facilitated efficiently and lawfully.
This session has provided our members with valuable insights into common challenges and solutions in imports and exports,” said James Dolarii, Chief Executive Officer of SICCI.
As the leading dialogue partner between Government and the private sector, SICCI remains committed to creating platforms that promote cooperation, efficiency, and accountability in trade facilitation.
The Chamber looks forward to further collaboration with the Customs and Excise Division, including follow-up trainings and awareness sessions for its members, to ensure businesses are well-equipped to meet international trade requirements and drive Solomon Islands’ economic growth.
Photo caption: Group photo of Private Sector businesses, Customs and Excise Officers and the SICCI Secretariat Staff after the Information Sesssion held at Café Bliss.