SARS fix on systems tech-glitches clears border traffic delays

TRANSPORTERS of commercial cargo who have been experiencing long delays at the Beitbridge Border Post were yesterday finally cleared after the South African Revenue Services (SARS) fixed the technical glitches on its online customs system.

For the past two years slow moving queues of freight trucks had become the order of the day on the Zimbabwean side of the border.

Trucks were spending several hours to be cleared for passage into either Zimbabwe or South Africa.

The delays come a few months following a similar scenario when SARS officials staged a strike demanding a pay rise of 12 percent, a move that has resulted in a stalemate.

SARS uses a Single Administrative Document (SAD) to facilitate the customs clearance of goods for importers, exporters and cross-border traders.

The SAD is a multi-purpose goods declaration form covering imports, exports, cross-border, and transit movements.

On the other hand, Zimbabwe uses the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) which is a computerised customs management system that covers most foreign trade procedures.

It handles manifests and customs declarations, along with accounting, transit and suspense procedures.

SARS spokesperson, Mr Siphithi Sibeko said they were working on ensuring a flawless passage for traffic.

“We don’t have a major challenge besides the fact that our online system is a little slower. However, we are working on it and things will get better in the shortest possible time,” he said.

Following the US$300 Beitbridge Border modernisation, authorities at the country’s busiest inland port of entry have been clearing an average of 900 trucks daily.

At least 55 percent of the freight was being cleared less than three hours before the latest challenges.

Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) spokesperson, Mr Francis Chimanda said: “The observation that all trucks coming through Beitbridge Border Post are being scanned or searched does not reflect the facts on the ground.”

He said the observation appears to be based on speculation due to high volumes of south-bound traffic.

“The region is still targeting cargo for scanning within the risk management parameters and is therefore not scanning 100 percent of traffic passing through. Scanning is also waived for empties and open loads including low beds, perishables and cargo transported by authorised economic operators,” said Chimanda

He said Zimra had also engaged critical stakeholders within the border for the purpose of clearing the current backlog and that traffic should come down to normal levels from these interventions.

Zimra commissioner for customs and excise, Mr Batsirai Chadzingwa said the automation and separation of traffic at Beitbridge had enabled them to offer customised services to their clients.

There are now three terminals processing freight, buses and light vehicles and pedestrians and previously these would be cleared under one building.

“At the moment the volume of traffic cargo is increasing daily as more transporters begin to realise the premium of using this port of entry.

“The introduction of the pre-clearance system for all imports and exports has helped reduce the turnaround time people are spending at the border,” said Mr Chadzingwa.

Zimborders Consortium, general manager, Mr Nqobile Ncube said they are aiming at clearing at least 80 percent of freight arriving at the border within three hours by the second quarter of next year.

— @tupeyo