• Exceeded its target for the first four months of 2021
• ZRA and the Executive Committee of all Clearing Associations from Nakonde have resolved to proceed with the implementation of the Customs Clearing Agents Management Module.
• ZRA no longer recognizes the Customs Clearing and Forwarding Agents Association of Zambia.
Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) exceeded its target for the first four months of 2021 by collecting K5.8 billion above target representing 29.3% above target for January to April 2021.
In a statement Issued to Money FM News, ZRA Corporate and Communications Manager Topsy Sikalinda SAYS most of these collections are from direct taxes and Customs due to reduced smuggling.
Meanwhile Mr. Sikalinda reveals that ZRA and the Executive Committee of all Clearing Associations from Nakonde have resolved to proceed with the implementation of the Customs Clearing Agents Management Module (CAMM) in a phased approach.
He said ZRA Commissioner General Kingsley Chanda assured the clearing agents that all fears and speculations will be dealt with during the extended period and that the module is being implemented in good faith and not in bad faith as portrayed by some sections of the clearing sector.
“During a meeting that lasted over four hours chaired by the Commissioner General of the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) Dr. Kingsley Chanda together with Commissioner Customs Services, Mr. Sydney Chibbabbuka resolved to lift all suspensions slapped on clearing companies that participated in the disruption of border operations at Nakonde,” he said in a statement
“However, Agents with outstanding transactions remain suspended until they account for the transactions.”
Mr. Chanda assured the agents that the module will not take away any business from them and that the issue of multinationals controlling a higher percentage in the sector is being dealt with by the government.
He however said ZRA no longer recognizes the Customs Clearing and Forwarding Agents Association of Zambia (CCFFAAZ) because of its manipulative way of dealing with matters.
“There is no legal instrument that binds our engagements with associations hence the authority’s decision to opt out on dealing with CCFAAZ.”
The Commissioner General stated the association opted to call for strikes and incited its members and members of the public to disrupt smooth border operations country-wide.
“This was done at the time when the over 18 million Zambians are in dare need of Tax revenue to provide and improve social services such and health, education, infrastructure, water, and sanitation among others.” He added.
“If these border disruptions had proceeded, it was the ordinary citizenry that would have suffered,” resulting into a serious act of economic sabotage that would have serious negative effects on our economy as a country according to Mr. Chanda.
According to ZRA corporate and Communications Manager, “the Customs Agents Management Module has been implemented in various countries across the globe and it is part of Zambia Revenue Authority modernization agenda.”
“The Module provides for the electronic appointment of customs clearing agents by importers, it also provides for clearing agents to accept or reject the appointment by the importers,” he added.