Dilemma 12:  Facilitation payments - Dilemma

You are working on a project.  The equipment is being imported from overseas.  The customs official is delaying granting the import clearance.  You ask him why it is taking so long, and he explains that it is a slow and complicated procedure, and will take at least four weeks.  However, he tells you that if you pay him US$100, he will clear the equipment immediately.  This amount is a tiny payment for your company in comparison to the significant liquidated damages and project overheads which your company will bear if the equipment is delayed any longer.  However, you are concerned that this payment is a bribe, as you have already paid the officially published fee for the customs procedure.

 

What do you do?

 

Consider your position, and then go to the answer on the next page.