Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
THE Shipping and Forwarding Agents Association of Zimbabwe (SFAAZ), a representative body for a significant portion of licenced clearing and forwarding agents in the country, has distanced the majority of its members from the unscrupulous conduct being exhibited by their counterparts at some of the country’s ports of entry.
Investigations by The Manica Post revealed that intermediaries in customs clearance for imports or exports, commonly known as clearing agents, are allegedly colluding with corrupt Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) officials to defraud the Government of revenue through various underhand practices at the country’s ports of entry and exit.
Clearing agents are supposed to act as mediators in trade and finance, managing customs clearance for imports or exports, handling complex documentation, calculating and paying duties, and coordinating logistics such as transport and warehousing to ensure the smooth, compliant movement of goods across borders.
An investigation into the activities of clearing agencies operating in Mutare, where import and export transactions through Forbes Border Post are increasing, revealed that some rogue agents are profiting from illegal practices.
In response to an article published by this newspaper last week, SFAAZ said like any other sector, isolated acts of misconduct by a few bad apples should not be used to cast negative aspersions on the noble profession.
“As correctly noted by ZIMRA itself, the majority of licensed clearing agents operate professionally, lawfully, and in full compliance with customs and regulatory requirements, and play a critical role in trade facilitation, revenue mobilisation, and economic activity. Like any sector, isolated misconduct by a few individuals should not be generalised to an entire profession that is globally recognised and legally embedded in the customs ecosystem,” responded SFAAZ, adding that they have in place a comprehensive integrity and ethics programme aimed at rooting out corruption and promoting transparency
“The Shipping and Forwarding Agents Association of Zimbabwe, (SFAAZ), acknowledge and support investigative journalism that seeks to protect public interest and revenue integrity, (but) it is important to provide balance and clarity on the role and conduct of clearing agents as a profession.
“The Shipping and Forwarding Agents Association of Zimbabwe (SFAAZ), which represents a significant portion of licenced clearing and forwarding agents, is a professional body governed by a robust code of conduct and an established disciplinary framework to deal decisively with erring members. SFAAZ has in place a comprehensive integrity and ethics programme aimed at rooting out corruption and promoting transparency, accountability, and compliance within the sector.
“Importantly, SFAAZ is a member of FIATA – the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations, a globally recognised, non-governmental organisation that sets international benchmarks for professionalism, ethical conduct, competition compliance, and best practices in freight forwarding and logistics,” reads part of SFAAZ response, which further highlighted its concerted efforts to weed out corrupt tendencies in the sector.
“FIATA’s strict antitrust and competition policies expressly prohibit price fixing, market allocation, collusion, and any form of anti-competitive or unethical behaviour. These standards are embedded in the governance and operational culture of FIATA-affiliated associations and their members.
SFAAZ has consistently and publicly condemned all forms of corruption and underhand dealings.
The association stands ready to engage ZIMRA, Government, and other relevant authorities to strengthen systems, close loopholes, and eliminate corrupt practices wherever they may exist, in the interest of national revenue protection and trade integrity. A collaborative, evidence-based approach that targets wrongdoing without undermining legitimate professionals will best serve Zimbabwe’s trade facilitation objectives and public confidence in border operations,” concluded the SFAAZ statement.
