The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has rolled-out the Self-Printing of Customs and Excise Release Order to ease tax compliance.
The Release Order function, which includes the system generation and printing of the Release Order, was previously performed by Customs Officers amongst competing tasks and contributed to the dwelling time at the borders, thereby affecting trade facilitation.
ZRA Corporate Communications Manager, Oliver Nzala, told RCV News in Lusaka today that the Authority has now devolved the function to the Declarant, mostly clearing agents, to enable them to print the release order once Customs has completed the due clearance procedures.
“Ultimately, this measure guarantees the improvement in truck-turnaround and inadvertently reduction in the cost of doing business, thereby supporting seamless trade facilitation,” said Mr. Nzala.
Mr. Nzala has also reminded the trading community to ensure that they do pre-clearance prior to the arrival of goods at the border.
He has since warned any declarant found abusing the functionality that there will be punitive action taken against such offenders in accordance with the provisions of the law.
By Margaret Mwanza
