Zimra tightens screws on cross-border trade

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has issued a strong warning to cross-border traders and transport operators against smuggling goods and making false customs declarations, saying such practices are undermining efforts to combat illicit trade and the influx of dangerous substances into the country.

The warning was delivered during a tax compliance awareness meeting for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) held at the Small City Hall in Bulawayo. The event, organised in collaboration with Zimra, brought together traders, transport operators and business stakeholders to discuss tax compliance, business formalisation and customs regulations.

Speaking at the meeting, Zimra Bulawayo customs revenue officer Thembinkosi Ndlovu urged traders and transporters to ensure that all goods are declared under the names of their rightful owners.

He said customs officials regularly encounter consignments being transported under names that do not belong to the actual owners of the goods, creating accountability challenges and increasing opportunities for illegal activities.

"As traders and transporters, we want to stress that we normally come across products that are not in the bearers' names," said Ndlovu.

"The declarations are not in their names. We are asking that when you are declaring at customs, do so in the correct names."

Ndlovu also called on cross-border bus operators and transporters to refrain from carrying prohibited or dangerous goods, warning that transport corridors were increasingly being used to move illicit substances into Zimbabwe.

He said the fight against drug and substance abuse had become a national priority and customs authorities were intensifying efforts to strengthen border controls.

"One of our objectives is to protect society. Recently, the Government highlighted drug and substance abuse as a major challenge facing the country," he said.

"As Zimra, questions are often raised about how these drugs find their way into the country."

The revenue authority recently intercepted approximately 365 kilogrammes of cannabis, highlighting the scale of smuggling activities and the need for enhanced enforcement at border posts and along major transport routes.

Authorities warned that non-compliance with customs regulations not only deprives the country of revenue but also creates opportunities for criminal networks involved in smuggling, drug trafficking and other illicit activities.

While supporting efforts to curb illegal trade, some cross-border transport operators raised concerns over repeated searches and what they described as inconsistencies in enforcement procedures at ports of entry.

The engagement forms part of ongoing efforts by Zimra to improve tax compliance, encourage business formalisation and strengthen collaboration with stakeholders in tackling smuggling and customs-related offences.