ZRA Rolls Out Self-Printing of Customs, Excise Release Orders To Ease Tax Cimpliance

Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) says it has rolled-out Self-Printing of the Customs and Excise Release Orders to the Clearing Agents, to ease tax compliance and provide world class taxpayer services.

In a statement, Authority Corporate Communications Manager Oliver Nzala, says the Release Order function, which includes the system generation and printing of the Release Order, was previously performed by Customs Officers amongst competing tasks and contributed to the dwelling time at the borders, thereby affecting trade facilitation.

Mr. Nzala revealed that the Authority has now devolved this function to the declarant, who are mostly Clearing Agents, to enable them to print the release order once Customs has completed the due clearance procedures.

“The Customs has identified that giving this operation to Clearing Agents has the potential to enhance processing efficiency and ultimately free critical staff to other demanding work areas.”

“This measure guarantees the improvement in truck-turnaround and inadvertently reduction in the cost of doing business, thereby supporting seamless trade facilitation,” Mr. Nzala explained.

He however warned of punitive action taken against any declarant found abusing this functionality.

“ZRA would also like to remind the trading community to ensure that they do pre-clearance prior to the arrival of goods at the border,” he added.