Customs chiefs have started a pilot programme to test a super-quick computer system which would speed up duty collection.

The hi-tech plan, called Electronic Data Interchange, is already being tested by Customs officers at the airport.

The project is now in its prototype stage and if approved, Customs computer experts will build a software and hardware network to link up with carrier firms, airlines and shipping lines.

Airport Collector of Customs Brenda Raynor said: "We are looking into a new system which would allow paperless transactions. It is still in the early stages but we are going through a pilot project with the trading public for the electronic clearance of goods arriving in Bermuda.

"It involves keying all data into the computers, which are interfaced. We are now trying to get the software together and we have got one or two officers working on it and doing tests.'' And The Royal Gazette revealed in February that the computer revolution should be ready by the year 2000.

The EDI system would allow Customs inspectors to decide whether or not to clear or search containers and parcels even before they had landed in Bermuda.

It would stop people from having to stand in long queues just to pay their duty and collect their goods.

And Customs bosses, led by new Collector William LeDrew, have arranged a series of meetings with importers in a bid to coordinate the project.

Airport Customs officials have already moved their "long room'' into the cargo terminal, to speed up the duty collection process for customers.

The present plan is to move the long room back to the Customs offices after six months.

But importers could have a permanent "one-stop shop'' in the cargo terminal within two years, with plans to overhaul the building and move the airline offices, Customs desks and long room all under one roof.

Ms Raynor said around 50 customers used the cargo terminal every day, adding: "We've had some very positive comments about a reduction in the delay and how much easier the entire process is now.'' Customs generated almost $150 million in revenue for Government last year.

And it emerged last week that Customs investigators had seized $1.1 million worth of drugs in the first three months of 1998.