Opening the Departure Permission System via the Internet

The Korean Customs Service started services on May 8 so that departure
permission for ocean-going vessels could be granted through the distr
ict customs office's EDI (Electronic Document Interchange). This is ca
lled an "Electronic Departure Permission System" and it provides the c
ustoms office's permission for departure via the Korea Customs Service
's Internet service.
Previously, when ocean-going ships departed from port, anyone, includi
ng carriers, related with civil affairs had to go to the Customs Offic
e to receive permission for departure. With the help of the Electronic
Departure Permission system, civil shipping lines could receive permi
ssion for departure in their own offices.
According to the Korean Customs Service, this service will help ocean-
going vessels shorten the down time in the quay and result in a signif
icant decrease in logistics costs. It will also contribute to the nati
on's international competitiveness by speeding up arrival and departur
e times.
The average wait will be shorten from 1 hour and 20 minutes to 10 minu
tes. This will also save 5-6 billion won in logistics costs annually.