MRA decentralizes duty waiver procedures

In an effort to enhance efficiency and reduce delays in duty waiver processing, the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) has decentralization Customs Procedure Codes (CPCs) that are used for granting duty waivers.

Under the new system, CPCs will now be handled at the station level as opposed to the previous practice where all duty waiver applications were processed at the Head Office.

Speaking during one of the sensitization meetings at the Malawi Sun Hotel in Blantyre, Ephraim Munthali, Manager Customs Tariff said it was important for MRA to decentralize the CPCs in order to speed up trade facilitation.  

“Noting that time is of paramount importance when processing duty waivers, the Authority found it necessary to engage Customs Clearing Agents to enable them familiarize with the new procedures and operate within the requirement of the law, said Munthali.

According to Munthali, with the decentralization in place, duty waiver applications should now be submitted to the three major stations of Blantyre Port, Lilongwe Port and Mzuzu port.

In his remarks, one of the Customs Clearing Agents, Effie Malonda, applauded MRA for the initiative and assured the Authority that they will use the new procedures and appealed to MRA to continue exploring new ways of simplifying customs clearance procedures.

“The decentralized will significantly speed up the processing of duty waivers at the border thus benefiting both businesses and MRA in as far as clearance of goods is concerned,’’ enthused Malonda.

MRA is currently holding meetings with Customs Clearing Agents and other stakeholders to impart in them knowledge and skills to enable them navigate the new duty waive procedures.