Zimra hastens electronic cargo tracking system to avoid dumping of foreign goods

THE Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) is hastening the rollout of the electronic cargo tracking system, which is designed to monitor trucks transiting through Zimbabwe, as authorities heighten efforts to prevent dumping of foreign goods on the local market.

Government recently introduced Statutory Instrument (SI) 64 of 2016 in order to breathe life into local industries. However, there have been concerns that the country's porous borders continue to work against Government efforts.

Border controls are presently being tightened to prevent smuggling, of restricted goods. Government has restricted the import of 43 different products such as cooking oil and building materials.

Border posts are now equipped with detectors, mobile scanners, luggage scanners and closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras. But it is goods that are smuggled under the guise of being transported to other regional destinations that are being specifically targeted by the cargo tracking system.

"Government, through the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), is rolling out an electronic cargo tracking system to combat transit fraud in the country.

"In order to mitigate the adverse effects of transit fraud, Government with the assistance of the African Development Bank, has put in place an electronic cargo tracking system  . . .(which) allows for tracking of transit cargo from point of entry to point of exit." The electronic cargo tracking system involves the use of modern electronic sealing devices, which are put on transit cargo at the ports of entry," said Zimra in a statement recently.

Zimra said the tracking system is integrated into the existing Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) World and allows real-time tracking of cargo up to the point of exit. The revenue collector highlighted that the move reflects the importance of digitalisation and automation in facilitating smooth trade and travel across international frontiers.

The electronic seal devices report to Zimra in real-time any violations, seal and cargo tempering, and incidents of going off route which might occur.

Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Mike Bimha said the Government has begun computerising ports of entry, starting with Beitbridge Border post in order to bust smuggling syndicates.

"SI64 of 2016 is doing a lot to resuscitate the local industry and we have seen some positives in the cooking oil sector, rubber, plastic sector, sugar and mealie-meal, among other sectors. But the potential of SI64 will not be fully realised unless and until we fully automate all our borders. Until June 2016, the country was losing total revenue of US$400 000 daily at Beitbridge Border Post.

"As a result, Zimra has strengthened Beitbridge Border's automation including the introduction of online services, which allow online lodgement of returns, application and verification of tax clearance certificates, improvement of compliance levels and the reduction of compliance costs," said Dr Bimha.