Oilseed stakeholders have said the Zambian Government is losing in excess of US$16 million every year through the illegal importation of edible oils and this has to be stopped.
This was discussed when the oilseeds stakeholders met at the Zambia National Farmers’ Union (ZNFU).
According to the ZNFU Weekly Brief made available to Money FM News, the stakeholders are also concerned that issuance of import permits for edible oils are being issued without consideration of the local industry.
The stakeholders are fearful that if these imports continue unabated, it endangers bringing down the entire oilseed sector value chain; including farmers and crushers.
The stakeholders have said more than 50, 000 metric tonnes of edible oils are smuggled into the country every year, while other players import finished products on the pretext that they are importing palm oil, which should be blended with soy oil.
Illegally imports of edible oils are being done mostly through the porous border entry points, but in some cases truckloads are finding their way into the country.
The stakeholders have called for stricter inspection measures to curb the scourge.