Blantyre learns trade taxes
MRA together with the National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) recently engaged taxpayers in Bangwe and Nyambabwe in Blantyre by making presentations on Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) trade protocol.
The meetings were conducted to explain to the masses more especially cross border traders on the benefits of importing or exporting goods through the SADC trade protocol and the procedures to be followed.
During the meetings, MRA took the opportunity to explain to the masses the importance of paying tax and the need to demand fiscal receipts after buying taxable items.
Speaking at the two meetings, NICE District Civic Education Officer, Bowlander Monjeza, said MRA and other Government agencies that work at the border have a great role to play by facilitating trade through provision of information necessary for people to import and export goods.
In his presentations, Ephraim Munthali, Customs Tariff expert said appealed to cross border traders to use the SADC trade protocol when importing or exporting goods in order to maximize their profits.
“If you are ordering goods from South Africa or any SADC member, you will benefit more because some Customs duties are lower or even zero,’’ said Munthali, adding that for one to achieve this you need a certificate of origin from the importing or exporting country.
After the presentations, people were given an opportunity to as ask questions among which they wanted to know where they can find a SADC certificate of origin and its duration.
NICE jointly with MRA and other Government organs are on a campaign to sensitize the public on the need to use the SADC trade protocol when importing and exporting goods abroad. MRA has already conducted joint meetings with NICE in Nsanje.
BY THOKOZANI CHIOTCHA
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