• ZRA should properly manage implementation of the pre-clearance system.
• The system is a good initiative but it has not been serving its intended purpose.
• Trucks still queue up for longer hours at borders.

Southern Freight Forwarders Association of Zambia (SFFAZ) has called on Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) to properly manage implementation of the pre-clearance system that was recently introduced by the Authority.
Speaking in an interview with Money FM News, Association Executive Member Cosmas Phiri said introduction the pre-Clearance system is a good initiative but it has not been serving its intended purpose as trucks still queue up for long hours at borders.
Mr. Phiri noted that the initiative was put in place to reduce congestion of trucks carrying goods at border posts and speed up the clearance process, but no difference has been made since it was implemented.
He said if the pre-clearance system is well managed and followed by people, it will bring a lot of benefits as consignments will not be taking long at borders.
“Pre-clearance system is a good initiative which must help transporters reduce on cost and congestion at the borders and not the other way round,” Mr. Phiri said.
Meanwhile, ZRA Corporate and Communications Manager Topsy Sikalinda said transporters who choose to process their documents and clear goods at the border instead of using the Pre-Clearance system are the ones who cause congestion at the facilities.
“All exports are pre cleared before the border but it is optional for importers to use the pre-clearance system, so far over 90% of them are pre clearing,” Mr. Sikalinda stated.
He noted that the pre-clearance system which requires customers to clear their goods five days before they reach the border is faring well as most people are using the system.
He added that it is not mandatory for people to use the system as they have the right to choose whether to pre clear their goods days before or do it at the border.
Recently, the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) introduced a pre-Clearance system which is meant to help clients reduce costs and time at borders.