Chief Commissioner of Customs David Towe has humbly acknowledged and welcomed recent public commendation from the Minister for Treasury, Hon. Ian Ling Stuckey, reaffirming that Customs officers remain duty bound, focused and fully committed to supporting the priorities of the National Government.
The Chief Commissioner said the recognition reflects the collective efforts of Customs officers nationwide and reinforces the organisation's responsibility to deliver on its core mandates of border security and community protection, trade facilitation and revenue collection.
"We appreciate the Minister's encouraging remarks and strong support. My officers and I remain firmly committed to serving the Government of the day by upholding the law, protecting the border, facilitating legitimate trade and collecting the revenue that funds essential services for our people," the Chief Commissioner stated.
The Treasurer recently praised PNG Customs for strong compliance and enforcement action, following a major excise investigation that uncovered large scale unlawful alcohol production and storage in Port Moresby. The investigation resulted in a demand notice exceeding K19 million in excise duty owed to the State under the Excise Act 1956 and sent a clear signal that excise evasion will not be tolerated.
Chief Commissioner Towe said enforcement outcomes such as these align directly with the PNG Customs Corporate Plan 2024–2028, which prioritises modernisation of Customs administration, strengthened compliance, intelligence led risk management and fair, transparent enforcement.
"Our role is to ensure a level playing field for honest businesses while taking firm action against those who seek to undermine the law. Strong compliance protects revenue, supports fiscal discipline and strengthens confidence in the economy," he said.
Chief Commissioner Towe also noted that PNG Customs' compliance and reform efforts have again delivered record breaking financial results for the Government in 2026.
He said from January to March 2026, PNG Customs collected K1.19 billion, marking the first time in the organisation's history that revenue collections have surpassed K1 billion in the first quarter of any year.
This represents 25 per cent of the Government's full year revenue target of K4.77 billion, placing Customs ahead of its year to date projections.
Compared with the same period in 2025, revenue increased by K311.39 million, a 35 per cent growth, making it the strongest first quarter performance ever recorded by PNG Customs.
"This historic result demonstrates the effectiveness of disciplined compliance enforcement combined with efficient trade facilitation through ASYCUDA World, which is our automated digital system for cargo clearance and accounting, including the intelligence led, risk based operations," Chief Commissioner Towe said. "It shows that strong border control and modern digital systems can work together to support revenue growth without disrupting legitimate trade."
Chief Commissioner Towe said Customs' reforms, including legislative reviews aligned with international standards, the development of an electronic Single Window system to streamline trade processes and strengthened supply chain security measures under the World Customs Organization (WCO) framework, are central to building a modern and trusted Customs administration.
The Chief Commissioner stated that Customs is also progressing the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) or Trusted Trader Program, which recognises highly compliant traders and provides them with streamlined clearance, reduced inspections and faster border processing.
"These reforms are about making it easier to do business in Papua New Guinea while ensuring compliance is robust, fair and consistent," he said.
"As outlined in our Corporate Plan 2024–2028, we will continue to modernise, strengthen compliance capabilities and support the Government's fiscal management and budget repair strategy. Our officers understand their responsibility to the State and to the people of Papua New Guinea."
Chief Commissioner Towe said PNG Customs will continue working closely with Treasury and other stakeholders to sustain revenue growth, protect the border and contribute meaningfully to national economic stability and development.
Authorized by
David Towe
Chief Commissioner of Customs