Published: 24 October 2013

Zimbabwe Revenue Authority has recorded a 7 percent decrease in car imports through Beitbridge border post between September and October this year in comparison to the same period last year as car dealers are now using alternative routes to ship their vehicles.

Official figures from Zimra show that a total of 5 772 vehicles were cleared at the Manica Transit Shed last year while 5 385 cars imports were processed during the period under review in 2013.

It is understood that the imports through Beitbridge have declined as many importers and car dealers now preferred to use less busy stations such as Plumtree, Kazungula and Chirundu border posts.

Car dealers who spoke to reporters recently said they were opting for less busy stations and avoiding hassles at Beitbridge Border Post where the vehicle clearance system was under constant break down.

Zimra introduced Asycuda plus system for processing vehicles imports in March this year in a bid to ensure efficiency and reduce regular interface between the customs officers and its clients.

Asycuda (Automated System for Customs Data) is a more efficient and advanced system for Customs data processing since it is Internet based.

Before the introduction of Asycuda, the revenue authority had been relying on a system which is based on the Local Area Network. The new system is connected to the organisation's national grid.

However the system has strongly affected the processing of car imports due to intermittent connectivity challenges.
- herald

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