Zimra's continuous system failure affects car importers

Published: 05 June 2013

CAR importers using Beitbridge Border Post continue to encounter delays in clearing their vehicles due to a continuous system failure of the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra)'s, newly introduced clearance system.

The recently introduced system, Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA), which is Internet based, is used by Zimra to process customs data.

When Chronicle visited Manica Bonded Warehouse on Tuesday where imported cars are cleared by Zimra on arrival in the country through Beitbridge Border Post, the situation was chaotic as visibly impatient clients jostled in the queue.

Vehicle importers and clearing agents expressed dismay at the delays and called on Zimra to address the challenge.

"We have been in the queue for several hours following delays by Zimra officials to clear us citing constant system failure. This is grossly unfair and we urge Zimra to urgendy address this problem," said Mr Lovemore Ndlovu, a car importer from Bulawayo.,

Another car importer, Mr Leonard Makaza also expressed disappointment: "We have been held up by Zimra for close to five hours waiting to clear our cars because they are saying their system is offline. Zimra must address this problem before it gets out of control."

Mr Lyton Mbedzi, a local clearing agent blamed Zimra for failing to address the problem, accusing the organisation of lacking customer care.

"We are being taken for a ride by Zimra yet they claim in their mission statement that they are here to serve when in actual fact they are failing to meet customer satisfaction.

"If Zimra is serious they should come up with a permanent solution to this perennial problem or alternatively introduce back-up manual system in the event that ASYCUDA goes offline as it is an inconvenience to clients," he said.

In the past weeks, scores of car importers have been spending several hours stranded in Beitbridge due to the Zimra system, which continues to develop constant technical glitches.

Zimra introduced the ASYCUDA system last month in a bid to ensure efficiency and reduce regular interface between the customs officers and its clients.

However, connectivity continues to be a major challenge at the bonded warehouse where vehicle imports are processed.

Prior to the introduction of ASYCUDA system, Zimra had been using a station based system.

Clearing agents also accused Zimra of lacking capacity to sustain the new vehicle clearance system.

ASCUDA is connected to Zimra's national grid which is accessible at any of its stations countrywide. Zimra handles about 100 imported vehicle everyday.

On arrival at Beitbridge Border Post, the cars are taken to the Manica bonded warehouse where the importer goes through rigorous customs clearance formalities.

The bonded warehouse charges a handling fee of $30 and those that delay in paying customs duty incur extra costs in storage fees, which amount to $5 per day.
- TC

Tags: Zimra,