Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
CROSS-BORDER traders moving goods of commercial nature to, though, or from Botswana will now have to clear paperwork before their trucks leave the warehouse, following a new directive from the Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS).
In a Public Notice dated July 10, 2026, BURS announced that with effect from August 1 this year, all importers, exporters and transporters of commercial goods by road must submit customs declarations and obtain “proceed to border” status before commencing their journey.
“After loading the goods and before proceeding to the border, one must submit a customs declaration through the BURS Customs Management System, submit all required supporting documents, and wait until the declaration attains ‘proceed to border’ status,” read part of the notice.
BURS warned that arriving at the border without this status is an offence and attracts a penalty of P10,000.
The authority said the measure is intended to reduce congestion, improve compliance and speed up clearance at entry points.
Following the latest development, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has advised stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the new requirements to avoid delays and penalties.
In an advisory issued this week, Zimra said it remains committed to supporting informed compliance and promoting seamless regional trade through timely dissemination of information from partner customs administrations.
“Zimra wishes to inform stakeholders that the Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) has issued a Public Notice introducing mandatory Pre-Lodgment of Customs Declarations for commercial goods destined to, through or from Botswana,” said Zimra in the advisory.
“With effect from 1 August 2026, traders are required to submit customs declarations and obtain “Proceed to Border” status before commencing their journey to the border.
“Stakeholders engaged in cross-border trade with Botswana are encouraged to familiarise themselves with these requirements to facilitate efficient border clearance and compliance.”
The move by Botswana mirrors a principle Zimbabwe has already been applying for several years.
Through its Document Processing Centres in Harare, Masvingo and Bulawayo, and its pre-clearance systems, Zimra allows traders to lodge declarations, submit supporting documents and receive processing feedback before cargo reaches the border.
The aim has been to ease delays in the movement of cargo for both exports and imports, cut waiting times at Beitbridge, Plumtree and other ports, and give importers and exporters certainty before dispatch.
It is understood that for logistics companies operating the North-South Corridor, the alignment between the two revenue authorities could help harmonise procedures.
A commercial truck loading goods in Bulawayo for Gaborone, for example, will now be expected to secure BURS pre-lodgement approval in the same way they currently secure Zimra pre-clearance before heading to Beitbridge or any port of entry.
