The advance passenger and cargo manifest system requires transporters, cross border bus operators and airlines to submit, in advance of arrival into Zimbabwe, a list of the cargo and passengers that they are carrying. This gives the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) enough time to risk profile goods and passengers hence enhance speedy clearance of low risk passengers.
2. When will the new system be effected?
ZIMRA is in the process of rolling out the advance passenger and cargo manifest system in line with the Minister’s announcement that it will be effective from 1st January 2012.
3. What will be the effect of the move and how will it improve ZIMRA’s operations?
The new system is in line with international best practice in trade facilitation and risk management as it allows identification of low and high risk cargo and passengers to facilitate expeditious clearance processes. It is expected, therefore, to improve ZIMRA’s operations by ensuring efficient use of scarce resources.
4. Why is it being implemented now and how was ZIMRA operating in the past with regards to the clearing of goods?
This is part of ZIMRA’s ongoing efforts to improve convenience to its valued clients. The new system will enhance facilitation of trade and travel by expediting the clearing process. In the past this information was submitted on arrival at the port of entry and at the time of clearance of goods. Please also note that omnibus operators have not been submitting passenger manifests in the past.
5. Are private vehicles/trucks pulling a trailer and those with a capacity of eight passengers or more also bound by the new rules?
The new rules apply to private vehicles pulling trailers as long as the combined carrying capacity is more than five (5) tonnes. Omnibuses with a carrying capacity of eight (8) passengers and above are also affected
6. Are passengers on a bus going to declare their goods individually?
The advance passenger and cargo manifest system does not take away the obligation by passengers to properly declare their goods. The main focus of the system is to risk profile and allow ZIMRA to speedily validate declarations made because of the advance information. Therefore, passengers on a bus will continue to make individual declarations by completing the declaration form (Form 47) where they will itemise the goods they will be carrying and the values of such goods.
7. Will ZIMRA verify the authenticity of the declared values and goods through physical searches on arrival at the border?
The new system enables ZIMRA to target risky cargo and hence avoid concentrating on low risk ones. This means that searches that will be done in terms of the provisions of the Customs and Excise Act [Chapter 23:02] will also be in line with the Authority’s risk management system.
8. What is the ASYCUDA system and how does it operate?
Automated System for Customs Data (Asycuda) is a computerised system designed by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) to administer Customs clearance processes.
ZIMRA has so far rolled out the latest Asycuda Version (Asycuda World). This version is an Internet-based system which allows importers/clearing agents to submit bills of entry declarations and supporting documents (invoices, packing lists, freight statements, insurance, etc) electronically. The system can be accessed from anywhere in the world provided that one is registered with ZIMRA.