Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The Zambia Revenue Authority -ZRA- says all motor vehicles, excluding trucks, tankers and heavy-duty vehicles transiting through Zambia as cargo by road, will be required to be transported using a truck called a carrier effective January 1, 2022.
ZRA Corporate Affairs Manager Topsy Sikalinda says this is in an effort to support local companies in the clearing and forwarding sector that have in the past, faced various risks related to clearing of transit vehicles.
Mr. Sikalinda says the requirement to move motor vehicles in transit on carriers is in line with the Customs and Excise Rules, 2021, which are contained in the Gazette Notice Number 124 of 2021.
He told QTV news in a statement that the measure will protect the customs bonds for clearing agents whose business operations get disrupted due to outstanding transit transactions on the customs system that are reported that the vehicles do not exit the county.
Mr. Sikalinda said according to the 2020 Auditor General’s report, over 25 million Kwacha has not been collected by the Authority due to pending outstanding transits that have not been acquitted in the system.
He said this measure is aimed at improving trade facilitation by enhancing the logistics sector through reduction of risks related to transit vehicles.
Mr. Sikalinda said the measure will further improve revenue collection for all Revenue Authorities in the region as smuggling loopholes are closed not only for Zambia but its neighbouring countries.
He said this measure is not being implemented in isolation but in consultation with all key partners and Revenue Authorities in the region.
Mr. SIKALINDA has since encouraged Zambian entrepreneurs to take advantage of the various business opportunities that this measure creates for the local economy.