DANGERS OF PURCHASING UNCLEARED VEHICLES

The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) is appealing to the public to desist from buying vehicles that have not been duly cleared by Customs.

MRA is making the appeal after observing that in the past few months, the Authority has impounded a lot of vehicles that did not go through the formal Customs clearance process.

The Authority is, therefore, urging the public to first of all cross check the duty status of the vehicle with MRA before purchasing a vehicle even though the vehicle is bearing a local registration number plate or the seller has some documentation because such documents may also be fake.

Please, note that if you are found in possession or driving a vehicle that was not properly cleared through Customs, MRA will seize the vehicle and impose penalties. The vehicle would only be surrendered back to you when duty and penalties are paid in full.

Please, note that any person found in possession of or driving a vehicle that was not properly cleared through Customs, commits an offence under Section 134 of the Customs & Excise Act and punishable under Section 142 of the same Act. MRA will, therefore, seize the vehicle and impose penalties. The vehicle would only be surrendered back to the owner when duty and penalties are paid in full.

Once again, MRA would like to urge all prospective buyers of motor vehicles in the country to cross check the duty status of the motor vehicle at their nearest Customs office before purchasing the vehicle.

For more information, you may contact the following: Northern region, Oscar Matewere on 0888731237, Central region, Queen Nkhata on 0888392795 and Southern region, James Hingesi Phiri on 0888951037.

Tom Gray Malata
COMMISSIONER GENERAL