The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has gone back to manual cargo clearance in response to complaints about the technical inefficiency of the automated e-road cargo manifest system.
ZIMRA spokesperson, Francis Chimanda, said customs agents have been failing to access the new online system to process import/export documents in the last few days.
This has resulted in the piling up of cargo at the Beitbridge Border Post, which is the country’s busiest port of entry.
Chimanda said the challenge being faced with the implementation of the e-Road Cargo Manifest emanates from the delayed application for Asycuda World profiles by transporters. Said Chimanda:
After the implementation of the module, Zimra received a huge influx of applications, which it is now processing.
However, as an interim measure and to ensure that traffic is not delayed at ports of entry, ZIMRA will be accepting manual submission of road cargo manifests for transporters who can prove that they have submitted applications for Asycuda World profiles.
Chimanda said besides enhancing controls and improving the turnaround time of clearances, the automated road cargo manifest also brings about enhanced security in the collection of State revenue, promotes ease of doing business, reduces the cost of doing business and is an effective tool in the fight against corruption.