Non-Tariff Barriers

Complaint

Complaint number

NTB-000-458  

NTB Type

2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures  

Complaint

Time taken to clear both side, high cost of paid to clearing agents both sides and attitude of Botswana customs officials is a seriuos concern and a mojr NTB. What you encounter at boarders is inconsistant and contradicts what the government preaches in relation to SMME development.  

Status note

Botswana reported that BURS is committed to ensuring that all procedures are standard, transparent and consistent at all times to all traders and are working hard to ensure that this is maintained. BURS are working hard on those issues to ensure efficient service delivery to all traders including SMMEs as they recognize the fact that they also contribute hugely to the growth of the country’s economy.

With regards to clearance, Botswana reported that, under normal circumstances, when one has all requirements in place, electronically processed customs declaration will be processed within 4 hours and manual declarations within 24 hours.

Clearing agents’ fees vary from agent to agent, however the average clearing fee for Imports is P650.00 and P450.00 for exports, this depends on mostly the weight, volume and type of commodity. These fees are set by the market. In order for the trader to be able to bypass the clearing agents they need to have registered for the ASYCUDA system with BURS, traders who trade at least every week and meet other mandatory requirements are given rights to use the ASYCUDA system.  

Progress update note

On 9th January 2012, Botswana Focal Point reported that Botswana Unified Revenue Services, (BURS) being a customer centric organization always ensure that the services and standards of the organization are kept abreast with other international standards; hence improvement of their service delivery is an ongoing process. BURS appreciates all the complaints regarding service delivery as they will assist us in identifying areas which need extra attention in improving. BURS is also committed to ensuring that all procedures are standard, transparent and consistent at all times to all traders and are working hard to ensure that this is maintained. BURS are working hard on those issues to ensure efficient service delivery to all traders including SMMEs as they recognize the fact that they also contribute hugely to the growth of the country’s economy.  

Policy or regulatory NTB

No 

Location

Botswana: Martins Drift (Border post)  

Reporting Country or Region

Botswana  

Country specific trade issue

No  

Date of incident

2011-09-08  

Status

Resolved  

Date of resolution

2012-12-11  

Product Description

Canvas,pvc and soft furniture

Computer-assisted translation

• English
• Arabic
• French
• Portuguese

×

Close window

 

Total value

R150.00  

Date reported

2011-09-16 11:28  

Modified

2012-12-11 11:04