MPs passed legislation tightening up Customs regulations ahead of the introduction of container scanning technology at Hamilton dock.

Under the Customs Department Amendment Act, people will be charged $25 for a certificate showing their goods have landed on the Island. Finance Minister Paula Cox says this regularises what has been a traditional practice.

More fees will be introduced at a later date for services such as stamping, Ms Cox told the House of Assembly on Monday night.

"Customs wished to be prepared for the imperative of having to certify the local scanning of containers and to apply seals as a part of the US 100 percent scanning initiative that was due to come into force in 2012," said the Minister.