Chronicle Editor
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
THE Shipping and Forwarding Agents Association of Zimbabwe (SFAAZ) has started engaging the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) over the continued breakdown of the automated system for customs data (ASYCUDA) at Beitbridge border post.
Delays in the movement of cargo are reigning supreme amid reports that Zimra is struggling with teething challenges associated with Asycuda, which have become perennial.
Zimra adopted the system, which is used to clear goods entering or leaving the country through the several ports of entry in October 2011.
Ascyuda system is centralised on a national grid, with Beitbridge border post said to be the worst affected.
In a statement yesterday SFAAZ said: “This is to advise that SFAAZ is aware of the challenges that clearing agents, importers and exporters are facing in clearing goods at the various ports of entry throughout the country.
“These challenges have resulted in huge delays in the movement of cargo and the SFAAZ leadership has engaged Zimra at the highest level to find a lasting solution to the challenges being caused, particularly by the downtime of the ASYCUDA system.
“Zimra is fully briefed by SFAAZ of the challenges and we hope that a permanent solution would be found sooner than later.
“The association will continue to engage the authorities for the benefit of all stakeholders with the hope that the engagement process will bear fruit”.
Our Harare Bureau is reliably informed that a single transporter incurs a loss of $500 in demurrage cost per day as a result of the delays.
It is also reported that some bills of entries have gone missing, as a result of the systems break down.
Bills of entries are used to clear commercial goods destined for Zimbabwe or in transit.
Under the Ascyuda system, clients can submit their customs documents from anywhere in the world provided there is Internet connectivity.
Zimra acting board secretary, corporate communications and international affairs, Ms Ropafadzai Majaja could not be reached for comment yesterday.
However in a notice on Sunday, Zimra said technicians were working tirelessly to ensure the system stabilises.
“Please be advised that Zimra has been experience problems with the Asycuda over the past few days.
“We sincerely apologise for any inconveniences that have been experienced by the importing and exporting public during this period.
“The authority is working tirelessly to ensure that the system stabilises, we kindly ask members of the public to bear with us as we try to resolve the challenge, “reads part of the notice.
Online Reporter