Moffat Mungazi
Farming Reporter
THE Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) has announced revision of deadlines for licence application of “A” Class and Contractors’ licences in a bid to help stakeholders plan and manage their applications more efficiently.
In the tobacco industry, licences are issued by TIMB to ensure that all stakeholders operate in compliance with the laws, regulations, and industry standards.
Operating without a licence can result in severe consequences, including financial penalties, fines, imprisonment and closure of unlicenced businesses, resulting in loss of revenue and reputation.
In a statement released recently, TIMB said the review of deadlines is meant to align with the Contractors Compliance Administration Framework, which all contractors must sign before getting a contracting licence.
The Contractors Compliance Administration Framework is a set of guidelines and procedures established by TIMB to ensure that contractors working in the tobacco industry comply with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
The framework outlines expectations and obligations of contractors, including, licencing and registration requirements, compliance with tobacco industry regulations and laws, quality control and assurance standards, health, safety, and environmental requirements; reporting and record-keeping obligations as well as consequences of non-compliance.
Contractors must register with TIMB and provide required documentation, including business registration certificates, tax clearance certificates, and proof of insurance.
They must also comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and standards governing the tobacco industry, including those related to production, processing, packaging, and labelling.
Those who fail to comply with the binding expectations in the framework risk penalties, fines, and other disciplinary actions while in severe cases, TIMB may revoke a contractor’s license, effectively shutting down their operations.
“The framework may also provide guidance on how contractors can demonstrate compliance, such as through audits, inspections, and certification programmes. By establishing this framework, TIMB aims to promote a culture of compliance and responsibility among contractors in the tobacco industry.
“The revised date for renewing or applying for a new contractors buying licence will now be March 31 of every year while the due date for renewing or applying for a new “A” Class buying licence will now be the October 31 of every year,” reads the TIMB statement.
A tobacco contractor’s buying licence is a permit that allows a contractor to buy unprocessed tobacco directly from growers they supported with inputs, financing or other resources at a licenced contract floor.
An “A” Class buying licence is a permit allowing entities or individuals to purchase self-funded unprocessed tobacco at licenced auction floors without requiring prior contractual obligations with growers.
“Therefore, contractors must hold valid licences before the contracting season begins in June to ensure timely input distribution and prevent exploitation of growers through substandard or overpriced inputs. The review of deadline dates will also address longstanding challenges such as delayed input delivery and non-compliance with minimum input package requirements, which have historically disadvantaged farmers.”
TIMB said renewing or applying for a new “A” Class buying licence by October 31 will also allow buyers to timeously secure funding so they can purchase tobacco in the next marketing season.
“The revised deadlines are part of TIMB’s comprehensive strategy to promote an orderly and more efficient tobacco industry. TIMB urges all stakeholders to strictly adhere to the new deadlines to avoid potential disruptions to their operations.”
Tobacco production in Manicaland for the 2025 season is looking promising, with a significant increase in registered growers.
As of the latest reports, 20 179 tobacco growers have registered in Manicaland Province, up from 16 859 during the same period last year.
These numbers suggest that Manicaland is poised to play a vital role in tobacco production for the 2025 season.
Farmers in Manicaland are focused on harvesting, crop monitoring and maintenance and making decisions about how to sell their tobacco – whether through contract farming or auction systems.
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