adminThupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
COMMERCIAL cargo has been stuck at Beitbridge Border Post for the past seven days as importers struggle to get permits authorising them to import goods that were recently removed from the Open General Import Licence.
Statutory Instrument number 64 of 2016 tightens screws on the importation of commodities including food items, building material, furniture, toiletries and cooking oil among other things.
Trucks are piling up on the South African side of the border since the Zimbabwean side has no space to accommodate them.
The Shipping and Forwarding Agents Association of Zimbabwe (SFAAZ) has since asked the Government to defer application of the new law by at least 30 days, to allow importers to acquire permits and clear congestion.
Under normal circumstances the trucks proceed to Zimbabwe when the customs clearance of the cargo they are clearing has been completed in South Africa.
The same process applies for trucks leaving Zimbabwe for South Africa.
The Chronicle is reliably informed that Zimra has resorted to requesting a surety deposit of $2,000 from importers without permits to clear traffic.
Those who pay are allowed to bring in their shipments and the money is refundable upon production of the required permits at a later date.
Individuals, mostly those who went into panic buying mode when the statutory instrument was promulgated, were last night paying duty for various products that are restricted under the new import regulations without permits.
Zimra’s communications department had by last night not responded to questions which were emailed on Saturday.
SFAAZ Board member, Mr Osbert Shumba yesterday said: “We are still engaging Zimra and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce with the view of extending the window period prior to rolling out of the new regulations by at least 30 days.
“This will give the importers enough time to obtain the required permits. You will note that most of the goods were already in transit
prior to the publication of the statutory instrument on June 17,” he said.
He said though they supported the government’s efforts to promote the growth of local industries, there was a need for more
consultations among stakeholders.
Mr Shumba said trucks were still moving in and out of the country to South Africa contrary to reports that there was a standoff between the two countries.
“The importers were not given enough time to process the permits.
“Furthermore getting these permits takes a minimum of seven days and that has caused a lot of delays in cargo movement.
“The problem is affecting our members and transporters and business is very low these days,” said Mr Shumba.
Meanwhile, Zimra has written to cross border operators threatening to seize their vehicles should they enter the country carrying the restricted goods without required permits.
Bus crews are being made to sign declaration letters that they will abide by the new regulations prior to their departure from Zimbabwe.
Online Reporter