| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-000-568 |
2.2. Arbitrary customs classification |
2013-02-13 |
Zimbabwe: Kariba |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2013-06-17 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Revaluation of products by customs ,a trader came with catapillar or madora and the value was k 2000000.00=$400.00 and was revalued to K 4180000.00, customs is refusing value for these goods ofwhich it only pays pre sumptive tax this is not the first time Zimra raises value to goods which pays only p tax. Some of these goods are not bought at Lusaka markert were thay have pegged there prices this is one of the reasons why why people would resort to smuggling |
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Resolution status note:
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On 17 June 2013, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority reported that valuation of consignments is provided for in the Zimbabwe Customs and Excise Act (Chapter 23:02). This particular valuation of Madora at Kariba Border Post was based on previous importations, investigations and information gathered from the neighboring country Zambia because no commercial invoices were tendered. ZIMRA advised that, where the values declared are within the given range, they are accepted. However where the values differ drastically the assessed values are resorted to. The complainant is advised to liaise with the Station Manager Kariba or the Supervisors to understand how the valuation is conducted. |
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NTB-000-577 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2013-04-12 |
Zimbabwe: Zimra Head Office |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2013-07-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Customs and Excise (Surtax Tariff) Notice ,2012, Statutory Instrument 112 of 2012,
Customs has introduced surtax on almost most of the agricultural products on the STR list of Eligible products, instead of paying 10% as presumptive tax there are now required to additional tax 25% as surtax that will amount to 35% and those which are not agriculture products instead of paying 25% as vat and presumptave tax there is additional 25% that means they will pay 50%, this a barrier, this will disturb the spirit of STR and all efforts to formalise transactions, and inrease cases of smuggling and corruption ,can there be clarity from Customs/Zimra for this surtax |
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Resolution status note:
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On 01 June 2013, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority ( ZIMRA) reported that the introduction of surtax was not targeted at STR products as the surtax is also levied on importations of the same goods from other countries taking into consideration the terms of any trade arrangements or protocols that may exist between Zimbabwe and that trading partner or block. The On 30 July 2013, Zimbabwe Focal Point advised that the NTB be conisdered resolved by the confirmation from ZIMRA that the surtax was not discriminatory. |
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NTB-000-578 |
2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges |
2013-04-13 |
Zimbabwe: Kariba |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2013-06-13 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Customs at kariba Border Post seized my goods: 12 off klorpoder 25 kg and 28 off micromatic plus all cleaning powders claiming that the prices on the invoice are not true. Invoice price for Micromatic was at $3 & $3.50 for klorpowder which are manufactured by Nemchem Zimbabwe .These prices can be verified with manufacturer, Contact Nemchem at + 263 774017418 |
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Resolution status note:
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On 12 June 2013, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority reported that, the goods were seized in accordance with the Zimbabwe Customs and Excise Act (Chapter 23:02) which provides that an officer may seize any goods which he has reasonable grounds for believing are liable to seizure. The Act empowers the Commissioner to either unconditionally or subject to such conditions, whether as to the payment of a fine, order the release of any such goods from seizure or declare them forfeited. The client is therefore advised to make the required representations for possible release of the seized goods and submit them to the office though which the goods were seized stating all the facts relating to the seizure. Any decisions made can be appealed against up to until they reach the Commissioner-Generals office or even the courts to ensure transparency |
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NTB-000-578 |
2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges |
2013-04-13 |
Zimbabwe: Kariba |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2013-06-13 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Customs at kariba Border Post seized my goods: 12 off klorpoder 25 kg and 28 off micromatic plus all cleaning powders claiming that the prices on the invoice are not true. Invoice price for Micromatic was at $3 & $3.50 for klorpowder which are manufactured by Nemchem Zimbabwe .These prices can be verified with manufacturer, Contact Nemchem at + 263 774017418 |
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Resolution status note:
|
he Zimbabwe Customs and Excise Act (Chapter 23:02) provides that an officer may seize any goods which he has reasonable grounds for believing are liable to seizure. On the other hand the same Act empowers the Commissioner to either unconditionally or subject to such, conditions whether as to the payment of a fine, order the release of any such goods from seizure or declare them forfeited. The client is therefore advised to make the required representations for possible release of the seized goods and submit them to the office though which the goods were seized stating all the facts relating to the seizure. Any decisions made can be appealed against up to until they reach the Commissioner-Generals office or even the courts to ensure transparency. |
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NTB-000-583 |
6.7. Other |
2013-03-26 |
Zimbabwe: Kariba |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2013-07-30 |
View |
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Complaint:
|
Kariba border post, Zimbabwe. Imports from Zambia; one truck carrying two imports from Zamleather for two different Zimbabwean companies. VAT paid in Harare and transferred to Kariba by ZIMRA. ZIMRA system has IT problem and duty of 5% was to be charged. Protest was lodged and ZIMRA advised that there is no duty because of the Comesa certificates. A day went by and we were then advised that our one shipment had been cleared: with 2% duty. We were informed that there were new acts passed and duty was now applicable. I could find no record of this and refused to pay extra duty in order to clear the VAT and duty now short on the second shipment. ZIMRA Harare advised that this was an IT issue and they were working on it. Third day begins and Kariba say no way to clear shipment without duty being paid. Harare advise Kariba to raise manual IM4 entry, Kariba say the duty is still payable. We are now going into the weekend and I cannot see my truck being cleared until Monday. I have had this issue before in a slightly different context where ZIMRA took duty paid for a shipment on its way to correct an IM4 done the prior month. No notification was given and it took 6 months for my claim to be accepted and the US$ 5703 to be refunded. |
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Resolution status note:
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On 30th July 2013, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority reported that the consignments were eventually cleared manually (i.e. outside the Asycuda System) and allowed under the COMESA Free Trade Area (FTA) at Rates of duty 0% as Zambia is party to the COMESA (FTA). ZIMRA would continue to clear such similar consignments manually until such time Kariba customs migrates from Asycuda ++ to Asycuda World and the clearance will be done in the system. The client will not be inconvenienced by the use of either of the two clearing systems. |
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Products:
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3403.11: Textile lubricant preparations and preparations of a kind used for the oil or grease treatment of leather, furskins or other material containing petroleum oil or bituminous mineral oil (excl. preparations containing, as basic constituents, >= 70% petroleu and 6403.40: Footwear, incorporating a protective metal toecap, with outer soles of rubber, plastics, leather or composition leather and uppers of leather (excl. sports footwear and orthopaedic footwear) |
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NTB-000-624 |
8.6. Vehicle standards |
2014-02-18 |
Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls |
Zambia |
Resolved
2014-03-19 |
View |
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Complaint:
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This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
A Zambian transport company has 6 vehicles carrying copper into Zimbabwe, detained at the Vic Falls weighbridge, because “the exhaust is pointing down to the ground “ and it must be “up in the air “ according to an official on duty.
The vehicles are manufactured by Mercedes Benz and, for these vehicles; the exhaust is designed to point to the ground.
This exhaust position is perfectly within the law in Zambia where the vehicles are registered. Zimbabwe should respect and accept the Zambian standards.
This action taken by the Zimbabwean official is unacceptable and the Focal point is requested to explain if this is a violation of Zimbabwean law. It is suggested that urgent action be taken to allow the truck to continue with its journey and also to facilitate movement of goods. |
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Resolution status note:
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On 19 March 2014, Zimbabwe reported that the trucks were released on the same day and the owner was advised to contact the manufacturer (Mercedes Benz) to adjust the exhaust as required by Zimbabwean Law. The requirement is in terms of the Construction, Equipment and Use Regulations promulgated under the Road Traffic Act [Chapter13:11] uploaded onto the system.
However, the Ministry of Transport indicated that they shall not enforce this requirement on foreign registered trucks as long as this is not in their domestic legislation. Zimbabwe is expected to issue a formal notification to this effect to enable enforcement of the said exemption on foreign trucks. |
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NTB-000-637 |
5.5. Import licensing requirements
Policy/Regulatory |
2014-07-14 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Industry and Trade |
Egypt |
Resolved
2016-02-08 |
View |
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Complaint:
|
There is a ban on importation of Soya bean oil packed in bottles by Zimbabwe. Requirement by Zimbabwe for import permit and license for soya oil and detergents from Egypt |
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Resolution status note:
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On 8th February 2016, Egypt Focal point reported that the NTB be considered closed on the basis that Egypt's National Monitoring Committee did not receive any details from the Exporting Company. |
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NTB-000-685 |
1.15. Other |
2016-03-01 |
Zimbabwe: |
Botswana |
Resolved
2016-03-18 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
As of the 1st of March 2016 Zimbabwe introduced a system whereby you need to obtain a certificate of conformity in order to export into Zimbabwe. One needs to obtain this certificate from Bureau Veritas. Trucks have been piling up at the Plumtree border while they await clearance with charges up to $250.00 per consignment. No formal communication has been reported by the Government of Zimbabwe to Botswana on this new development. Furthermore we have no record of which products will be affected and who needs to apply for this certificate. We are not even aware of where the Bureau Veritas offices are located in Botswana. As they are situated in South Africa. |
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Resolution status note:
|
On 18th March 2016, the Zimbabwe Focal Point from ZIMRA reported that a verification with the Station Manager at Plumtree Border Post had not revealed any cases of trucks piling up at the Border Post. It would be appreciated if the client furnishes more details relating to the Companies affected, the dates, the vehicles involved and the registration numbers so that the Station Manager carries out further verification if need be. The goods affected are listed in Statutory instrument 132 of 2015 which was published on 18 December 2015. The Statutory Instrument (SI) is as available at Printflow (formerly Government Printers) in Zimbabwe, which is too large to attach here. |
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NTB-000-683 |
2.14. Other
Policy/Regulatory |
2016-02-10 |
Zimbabwe: Mt. Selinda |
|
Resolved
2016-03-18 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
ZIMRA has introduced a new ruling at all its border posts effective 10 February re the vehicle manifest without proper pre-dialogue with regional and border post stakeholders as well as transporters who are being affected the most by this ruling and which is in breach of the SADC protocol to which Zimbabwe is a signatory. The attached Notification and copy of the ZIMRA Manifest Form No. 1 are self-explanatory, the ZIMRA manifest is just a duplication of a standard vehicle manifest with the ZIMRA logo on it and official form number, however ZIMRA are refusing to allow clearing agents to submit any other format of the manifest other than the attached document and transporters are being delayed for days on end until such time as the clearing agent submits documents with the ZIMRA manifest. the average cost per day for a transporter to stand at the border post is US $250 which ultimately will be added onto the cost of an already outrageous transportation cost for the end user consumer to pay. This practice is unethical, in breach of the SADC Protocol on Trade and Transport and not conducive to trade facilitation in the region. Imagine the chaos this situation would cause if all countries or member states in the SADC region adopted the same principal as Zimbabwe has, the transporter would have to fill in a different manifest for every country entered or transited.
This matter requires the immediate and urgent intervention of the focal point representative in Zimbabwe. |
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Resolution status note:
|
On 18 march 2016, Zimbabwe Focal Point from ZIMRA advised that submission to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) of a Manifest (Form 1) on importation of goods by Road has always been a requirement. This is in terms of Section 6 of the Customs and Excise (General) Regulations published in Statutory Instrument 154 of 2001 which reads "6 The report in terms of section 26 of the Act on vehicles engaged in the transportation of goods, other than trains, shall be made in form No. 1, completed at the time of loading the goods in the country of exportation, signed jointly by the transporter who loaded the goods and the person in charge of the vehicle, together with such copies as may be required by the officer to whom the report is made". Section 26 of the Customs and Excise Act (Chapter 23:02) is on "26 Person in charge of vehicle to report goods in his or her charge" The Form 1 (Manifest) is a ZIMRA form and is a prescribed form in terms of the said Regulations and therefore it is a requirement that it be standard. It is thus not proper for Clearing Agents to use other formats of the Manifest. For the convenience of the clients arrangements are being made for the Manifest to be available for downloading from the ZIMRA Website .
However the Zimbabwe Focal point advised that the Commissioner Customs and Excise had temporarily given a reprieve and is accepting other formats of the Manifest as submitted by the Agents. The Act and the Regulations were submitted. |
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NTB-000-686 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2016-03-10 |
Zimbabwe: Blantyre |
Malawi |
Resolved
2016-05-03 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
We understand that as of 1st March, 2016 goods exported into Zimbabwe need a certificate of clearance from Bureau Veritas. The complaint (Nampak Malawi Limited) which has informed us that their goods destined for Bulawayo were inspected by Bureau Veritas on 10th March, 2016 on Nampak Malawi premises.
However, to date the company has not received clearance for the goods to be exported to Zimbabwe. |
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Resolution status note:
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On 22nd April 2016, Bureau Veritas confirmed that, having received an inspection request on 8 March 2016, the inspection of the consignment was done on 10 March 2016 and subsequently issued on 24 March 2016.However,because the certificate is only issued after payment ,it could not be immediately released on 24 March until after the Easter Holiday which began on 25 March 2016 and ended on 28 March 2016.
However,please note that Bureau Veritas has taken the necessary steps to improve the overall efficiency with regards to the issuance of CBCA certificates. Kindly note that we have developed alternative compliance routes(Registration or Licensing) where manufacturers can now get a Certificate of Conformity issued within 48 hours from the date of request. All Manufacturers are encouraged to apply for qualification under the Licensing Compliance routes.We also have a platform conformity. zimbabwe@bureauveritas.com which is a complaints resolution platform that is dedicated to also explain procedures,to give clarification and to immediately remedy any situation in a proactive manner. |
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NTB-000-686 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2016-03-10 |
Zimbabwe: Blantyre |
Malawi |
Resolved
2016-05-03 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
We understand that as of 1st March, 2016 goods exported into Zimbabwe need a certificate of clearance from Bureau Veritas. The complaint (Nampak Malawi Limited) which has informed us that their goods destined for Bulawayo were inspected by Bureau Veritas on 10th March, 2016 on Nampak Malawi premises.
However, to date the company has not received clearance for the goods to be exported to Zimbabwe. |
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Resolution status note:
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Exporter recieved feedback |
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NTB-000-692 |
1.8. Import bans |
2016-01-27 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation & Irrigation.
Department of Livestock & Veterinary Services |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2016-07-20 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Department of Livestock & Veterinary Services have issued a letter stating they are banning honey imports to protect their honey industry from disease. In the same letter, they state that there is plenty of local honey available so importers should buy local.
Zambezi Gold Honey from Zambia has been imported to Zimbabwe by Le Sel Distribution (Zimbabwean Company) for 6 years now. No complaint has ever been made.
No analyses have been shown to Le Sel (the importer) to prove disease exists.
Zimbabwe Vet Services has refused to consider any exemptions. |
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Resolution status note:
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The Program Officer - Sanitary and Phytosanitary in the SADC Secretariat reported that the NTB-692 on honey import ban from Zambia implemented by the Department of Veterinary Services of Zimbabwe had been resolved. Issuance of permits had resumed.
The SQAM - SPS Programme (Standards – SABF Sub-group) in collaboration with GIZ had actively engaged the Department of Veterinary Services for the timely resolution of the NTB.
We thank officials of the Department of Veterinary Services of Zimbabwe for their cooperation. |
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NTB-000-721 |
5.5. Import licensing requirements
Policy/Regulatory |
2016-06-17 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Industry & Commerce |
Zambia |
Resolved
2019-08-21 |
View |
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Complaint:
|
Zimbabwe introduced surcharges on certain products in violation of the letter and spirit of the COMESA Free Trade Area. Zimbabwe introduced Statutory Instrument 64 of 2016 , controlling the volumes of imports of products exported by Zambia to Zimbabwe Statutory Instrument (SI 64 of 2016),requires that import licenses be obtained from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce before importation of a wide range of products. The instrument is in force and is being implemented |
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Resolution status note:
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During the meeting of NTbs Focal Points held on 19- 21 August , Zimbabawe reported that SI 64 was repealed by SI 122 . Import licences are no longer required . |
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NTB-000-782 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees |
2017-09-17 |
Zimbabwe: Chirundu |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2019-08-21 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Trans[porters are experiencing the following delays and other administrative costs as a result of the sealing process by ZIMRA:
• The vehicles are delayed up to 24 hours while waiting for the seals
• ZIMRA Officials remove existing seals to fit their seal and then do not replace the seals when their electronic seals are removed
• ZIMRA Officials have refused to endorse the documents when seals have been removed
• They have damaged transporters equipment and gone so far as to use a drill on a loaded fuel tanker to drill a large hole to fit their seal. This is completely unacceptable!
• Where one of their seals was incorrectly fitted and fell off the truck, they then cut other seals and drew samples of the product to ensure it had not been contaminated. No explanation was given and our customer consequently rejected the load as the integrity had been corrupted
• Transporters are expected to adhere to routes stipulated by ZIMRA. We have Route Risk Assessments on all our routes. The route is determined due to a number of factors including distance and safety. This is pertinent to Zimbabwe where the road infrastructure is failing
• Beyond the instruction to pay for the sealing, transporters are further expected to pay the costs of escorts |
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Resolution status note:
|
The payment for sealing is a requirement in terms of the law in terms of Statutory Instrument 113 OF 2017. A fee of $30.00 shall be levied on every road vehicle conveying goods and break bulk cargo through Zimbabwe upon which electronic seals and magnetic sealing cable are placed on the cargo in term of the law.he vehicles are delayed up to 24 hours while waiting for the seals.Noted, it is not the intention of ZIMRA to delay any vehicle because of sealing, sealing is done in the minimum possible time and where delays are experienced, one can immediately contact the Supervisor or Manager on duty for assistance. Contact numbers for Supervisors and Managers are displayed in the offices .
ZIMRA has since obtained the seals and there are no more delays . |
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NTB-000-783 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2017-09-19 |
Zimbabwe: Beitbridge |
South Africa |
Resolved
2019-09-09 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) is not adhering to their new procedure for handling transit cargo thereby causing serious delays in clearance of trucks at the Beitbridge border post.
Truckers are experiencing serious delays because ZIMRA is not adhering to the procedure it stipulated in its communication documents. ALL transit cargo is being fitted with seals, despite the cargo already being sealed by client at loading point. Communication from drivers indicated that, currently only 5 trucks being sealed per day.
Trucks then going onto a "list" for transit escort. This is despite the official communication stipulating that ONLY trucks carrying cargo that is not covered by a suitable tent/tarpaulin that cannot be sealed will be considered by authorities to be escorted.
Truck is a tautliner and thus can be sealed yet driver has been informed it needs to be escorted, and he was informed that 5 trucks per day are escorted to Chirundu. Currently he is number 48 in the "list". This goes against what was communicated in ZIMRA informational document.
Our trucks have Route Risk Assessment done prior for the reasons stated by another complainant, yet ZIMRA wants to dictate which roads and routes to use. This procedure is causing unnecessary delays at the border. |
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Resolution status note:
|
On 22nd August 2019, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority Head of Technical services advised that not all transit cargo is being selected for Electronic Cargo Tracking, but only cargo that is selected as hig risk transit cargo through the use of ZIMRA automated risk management engine. Beitbridge is sealing in excess of 50 of the over 300 transit trucks cleared on a daily basis which is selected by the automated risk management engine. On implementation of Electronic Cargo Tracking System high risk transit cargo that could not be electronically sealed was escorted through Zimbabwe, however, adequate electronic tracking seals have now been procured to facilitate the sealing of all highrisk transit cargo as selected by the risk management engine. As of August 2019, no escort are being done unless there is a specific need. The drivers are at liberty to select their designated route to be followed as they transverse Zimbabwe by completing a Route Declaration Form.
This NTB arose due to challenges faced on implementation of the electronic cargo tracking system in Zimbabwe, through stakeholder engagement and dialogue implementation challenges were resolved. Therefore this NTB has been resolved . |
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NTB-000-785 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2017-10-25 |
Zimbabwe: Beitbridge |
|
Resolved
2019-08-21 |
View |
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Complaint:
|
Haphazard breaking of seals at Beitbridge Border without any proof of authentication. Customs officials are breaking the transit cargo seals on the containers and merely crossing out the seal on the manifest and replacing it with the temporary seal. This has severe implications as these containers have already been fumigated and opening the container compromises the fumigation process and leaves the load susceptible to tobacco beetle cross infestation at the border. As there is no authenticity/customer number/stamp endorsing the seal change it means that anyone could have tampered with the cargo on route and this possess another issue with our customers in the USA as it contravenes their anti terrorism procedures . There was legislation passed by ZIMRA in terms of SI 113 of 2017, the Customs and Excise (General) Regulations, SI 154 of 2001, Section 60 that states no seals should be opened in transit through Zimbabwe in order to improve the management of transit cargo. This new legislation needs to be passed on to the officials at Beitbridge (Zimbabwe side)as they are still breaking seals at the border. |
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Resolution status note:
|
During the meeting of the NTBs Focal Points held on 19-21 August 2019, Zimbabwe Focal Point confirmed the ZIMRA report below that, transit trucks which are picked by the system for Physical Examination (P/E) are referred to the container depot for P/E. The majority of these trucks are P/E waived.
Where a physical examination is conducted broken seals are replaced and the replacing seals are endorsed on the manifest and the office stamps and signs.
The above is the same procedure on both imports and exports.
Where trucks are not referred for P/E the trucks are either escorted or sealed with electronic seals.
When trucks are escorted no seals are broken.
There are instances when the container has seals on all openings and ZIMRA break the other seal in order to place their electronic seal. In such a case appropriate endorsement is made on the manifest.
There could be some cases probably where officers have not done this hence the complaint from the client. ZIMRA however does not have a point of reference since a particular case has not been cited.
ZIMRA management have reminded all officers to ensure that whenever a seal is broken the appropriate endorsement is be done. |
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Products:
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2401.10: Tobacco, unstemmed or unstripped |
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NTB-000-789 |
2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges |
2017-10-31 |
Zimbabwe: Chirundu |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2018-01-22 |
View |
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Complaint:
|
There is a problem on processing of Temporary Import Permits since Zimbabwe Revenue Authority came up with a system of doing more Temporary Import Permits for one vehicle. Transporters are now made to write 3 Temporary Import Permits on one truck. 1 Temporary Import Permit for the horse and 2 for the 2 trailers. Processing the Temporary Import Permits is taking too long , for example, Temporary Import Permits for 93 & 98 which we submitted at 01:20hrs ( 31st October 2017) were not ready by mid morning 1st November 2017. Another Temporary Import Permit submitted at 1900hrs last in the night of 31st was only done at 03:15 hrs in the morning of 1st November 2017 .
ZIMRA is now making the clearing agent do a TIP for every unit of the truck. The truck itself then the trailer as well. In the case of an interlink, that is 3 TIPS. |
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Resolution status note:
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On 5 December 2017, Zimbabwe Focal Point confirmed the feedback by Revenue Authority that the client should approach the Station Manager for the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority at Chirundu One Stop Border Post to be guided on the proper forms to use. With this explanation issue should be taken as resolved. |
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Products:
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8709.19: Works trucks, self-propelled, not fitted with lifting or handling equipment, of the type used in factories, warehouses, dock areas or airports for short distance transport of goods; tractors of the type used on railway station platforms (excl. electrical |
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NTB-000-789 |
2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges |
2017-10-31 |
Zimbabwe: Chirundu |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2018-01-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
There is a problem on processing of Temporary Import Permits since Zimbabwe Revenue Authority came up with a system of doing more Temporary Import Permits for one vehicle. Transporters are now made to write 3 Temporary Import Permits on one truck. 1 Temporary Import Permit for the horse and 2 for the 2 trailers. Processing the Temporary Import Permits is taking too long , for example, Temporary Import Permits for 93 & 98 which we submitted at 01:20hrs ( 31st October 2017) were not ready by mid morning 1st November 2017. Another Temporary Import Permit submitted at 1900hrs last in the night of 31st was only done at 03:15 hrs in the morning of 1st November 2017 .
ZIMRA is now making the clearing agent do a TIP for every unit of the truck. The truck itself then the trailer as well. In the case of an interlink, that is 3 TIPS. |
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Resolution status note:
|
On 22 January 2018, FESARTA sent email to Focal Point, Zimbabwe advisng that the NTBs had been resolved as per advice from ZIMRA. ZIMRA advised complainant to approach the ZIMRA office at Chirundu for assistance since this was an issue concerning lack of information on how to go about the procedure. The complainant was guided on the proper forms to use. |
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Products:
|
8709.19: Works trucks, self-propelled, not fitted with lifting or handling equipment, of the type used in factories, warehouses, dock areas or airports for short distance transport of goods; tractors of the type used on railway station platforms (excl. electrical |
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NTB-000-798 |
8.5. Infrastructure (Air, Port, Rail, Road, Border Posts,) |
2018-01-25 |
Zimbabwe: Forbes |
Zambia |
Resolved
2018-02-09 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Due to the topographic nature of the Forbes Border Post, trucks cannot be parked and cleared at the Border as it would create congestion. The trucks are allowed to proceed out of the Valley where the border is situated and must park in Customs Approved Yards in Mutare. Dry Cargo (Flat Decks) have a Dry Port Yard whilst Petroleum Tankers must park at the RMS Yard (Railway Maintenance Yard Customs created the yards to enable them to clear the loads.
1. Transporters are charged a fee to park in these RMS yards. This is an unnecessary charge and there is no evidence that the funds are used for the upkeep of the yard.
2. Despite the fact that this yard houses Dangerous Goods there is limited access control at a rickety gate. The perimeter is not suitably fenced. The view of the tankers is blocked from the main road by strategically placed defunct railway wagons. There is no access control and the yard is surrounded by a maze of tunnels and hedges where trade in stolen fuel is conducted. Third Party vehicles are allowed access to the yard and unfortunately siphoning from side tanks is evident. Given the lack of security staff, fencing and lighting, the situation worsens at nightfall. Recently truckers have been plagued by theft of items from trucks eg batteries from the trucks.
3. There are no facilities for the drivers. The congestion at Forbes is already well documented due to the failing Ascudya system and inefficiencies in the Customs Sealing process and drivers are stuck a minimum of 48 hours in this yard. There are no ablutions and limited access to running water. It is an inappropriate holding yard where a driver cannot rest before leaving on the next leg of his journey. When it rains, the area becomes a muddy morass
There are several truck yards in the area that are well equipped and offer the drivers clean facilities. Customs are requested to not charge for the RMS yard, clean it up and offer the appropriate security and facilities, or allow vehicles to park in other yards.
Transporters have brought this situation to the authorities before but to no avail. Its seems there are vested interests in keeping valuable cargo parked in this insecure area. Drivers are spending too long in filthy and dangerous conditions while being charged for a service that forms part of Customs responsibilities. |
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Resolution status note:
|
On 9 Beruary 2018, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority advised that Vehicles with uncleared goods are sent to park at a Depot licenced and bonded to keep goods before Customs clearance. This is a privately owned premises which does not belong to Customs and therefore the owner charges for accommodating the trucks.
2. The concerns raised for RMS have since been addressed. Tankers are as from 7.2.18 being parked at a new premises (truck yard) while awaiting finalization of clearance process. The new premises has a perimeter fence, ablution facilities, showers and CCTVs |
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NTB-000-802 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2018-02-28 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Industry & Commerce Zimbabwe |
Malawi |
Resolved
2019-10-12 |
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Complaint:
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CORI Ltd visited Zimbabwe last year to explore their local market to check if there is potential for their products (cooking oil). CORI Ltd discovered that they could not export cooking oil into Zimbabwe as the government in Zimbabwe has instituted Statutory Instrument (S.I 64) that banned imports of a variety of products (cooking oil is one of them).
Zimbabwe also has 40% (or $0.50/litre) duty on cooking oil imports |
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Resolution status note:
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During the national workshop to launch the SSMS tool for Zimbabwe and training for NMC, Zimbabwe reported that the consolidated SI 122 removed the requirement for import and export licences on some products including cooking oil. |
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