Dili – The United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) Thursday established East Timor's first customs and tax system to provide the territory with much-needed revenue.

The new regulation, signed in Dili by UNTAET head Sergio Vieira de Mello, covers imports, exports and domestically produced goods, except for those goods that are already on their way to East Timor by March 20.

According to the regulation, importers will pay an import duty of five percent of the customs value of the goods, while the exporters of coffee – the main export of East Timor – will be charged a tax of five percent of the value of the beans. The first taxes and duties will be collected by UNTAET's border service.

Mr. Vieira de Mello also signed a regulation on the procurement of goods, works and services in East Timor, which aims to maximize the efficiency of public spending, facilitate reconstruction and economic development, promote competition and provide for the fair treatment of all bidders.