MRA dates Lilongwe based Clearing Agents

The Malawi Revenue Authority’s Customs and Excise Division in Lilongwe recently took time to engage Customs Clearing Agents based in the Capital City to enlighten them about new developments in the Authority including the 2019/2020 new tax measures.

The meeting was co-chaired by Station Manager, Lilongwe Customs Port, Andrew Mtukuleni and Inland Examination Centre Manager, Chimwemwe Kawalewale. The gathering was part of MRA’s quarterly engagements with key stakeholders.

The meeting also discussed how to sustain good working relationship between the two parties in order to enhance productive partnership.

In his opening remarks, Andrew Mtukuleni said there were a number challenges that his office was facing when dealing with agents and the meeting was the right forum to address such challenges and come up with workable solutions.

“We value you, our partners in business, and this is the more reason MRA decided to call the meeting rather than penalizing or ambushing you but instead help you clean your house,” said Mtukuleni.

Some of the major issues raised were non-adherence to temporary stores mandatory requirements, abuse of Special Delivery Orders, reduction of outstanding declarations and revenue enhancement, among others.

The meeting also observed that management of transit goods had been a problem and it was time to deal with the challenge.

During the meeting, some Clearing Agents complained that they were unable to secure warehouses with enough space due high costs of rentals. They, therefore, requested MRA to give them ample time to pull their resources together so that they can rent big warehouses in groups.

In his concluding remarks, a representative of the the Clearing Agents, Oxford Kasambiza of Manica, thanked MRA for the meeting and stressed on the need to continue engaging the Authority to address issues of common concern.

About fifty Clearing Agents attended the meeting.

BY THOKOZANI CHIWAYA