Given the importance of trade in promoting a dynamic private sector, ERI has a highly skilled customs reform team that focuses on reforms of customs legislation, customs regulations, tariff structures and customs procedures. 

ERI’s approach to the reform of customs laws and procedures include:

1. The system must allow for very limited discretion in order to ensure the integrity of the procedures;
2. Procedures for the processing of exemptions must be standardized to ensure that discretion is kept to a minimum;
3. Officers of the Customs and Excise Service must be granted powers to examine records (including electronic records), to seize evidence, and to search premises;
4. Improved administrative procedures must be introduced for exemption processing;
5. Warehousing procedures must be simplified;
6. Robust procedures for rulings and appeals are an essential part of a modern system;
7. Penalties for violations should reflect the gravity of the offense and provide disincentives for violating articles in the legislation;
8. There should be adequate provision for the sharing of information and data between agencies within Solomon Islands as well as for the international exchange of information and data.
9. If it does not already exist, legislation must contain a provision that will allow for conversion to electronic automated entry processes.
10. Notification requirements for ships and aircraft entering the country must be based on ex-ante notifications.