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In a bid to enhance trade facilitation, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) introduced the quota management system. The system was done to improve the marking off of permits and licences. Import quotas control the amount or volume of commodities that can be imported into the country during a specified period whereas export quotas control the amount of goods or volumes that can be exported out of the country.
As a customs administrative organ, ZIMRA controls the importation or exportation of controlled or restricted goods.
The controlled goods are imported or exported under licences or permits issued by various regulatory bodies such as Ministry of Industry and Trade, Ministry of Agriculture, National Biotech Authority etc.
It is the duty of ZIMRA to effectively, efficiently, correctly and conveniently mark off these permits/licenses at the time of importation or exportation. The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority launched the use of the quota management system in June 2020 in the ASYCUDA world system. In order for the quota management system to be fully functional, clearing agents and importers should be educated.
How does quota
management work?
Importer should obtain a permit or licence from the responsible authority
The agent submits the permit/license to ZIMRA before registration of the bill of entry
Then ZIMRA goes on to create a quota code for the relevant permit/licence and gives it to the agent for use on all bills of entries that relate to the permit
- The quota code should be quoted on the Bill of entry on box 39 for every importation or exportation and the system automatically mark offs the quantities from the permits/license
Obligations of importers/agents
To submit permits/licences before registration of the bill of entry
To supply the correct commodity code of the goods being imported/exported
The agent to quote the correct quota code in box 39 of the bill of entry
What are the advantages of quota management?
Reduces costs of sending permits from one customs house to another
Reduces unnecessary physical contact in this era of the coronavirus
Once a quota code is created there is no need for regular submission of the original permit
In the event that the original permit/ licence is lost, mark off can still be done using the quota code
It speeds up the clearance process
Maintains updated balances as the system accurately deducts quantities
The quota code can be used to clear goods at any port of entry or exit for the same importer without any challenges
My Taxes, My Duties: Building my Zimbabwe!!
Disclaimer: This article was compiled by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority for information purposes only. ZIMRA shall not accept responsibility for loss or damage arising from use of material in this article and no liability will attach to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority.
To contact ZIMRA: WhatsApp line: +263 782 729 862; Visit our website: www. zimra.co.zw; Follow us on Twitter: @Zimra_11; Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ZIMRA.ZW; Send us an e-mail: [email protected]/[email protected]; Call us (Head Office): 0242 –758891/5; 790813; 790814; 781345; 751624; 752731; e-TIP: http://ecustoms.zimra.co.zw/etip
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