INTRODUCTION OF BORDER CLEARANCE

The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) is pleased to inform importers and the business community that with effect from 1st July, 2023, the Authority will be implementing a new system for cargo clearance at Dedza and Songwe border stations following successful piloting at Mchinji Station and Lilongwe Inland Examination Centre (IEC).

The primary objective of the new system is to streamline processes, facilitate trade, and enhance efficiency when clearing goods. It introduces significant improvements that will benefit both traders and the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA).

Under the new system, all goods from the border stations mentioned above destined for Lilongwe IEC will be eligible for entry for home consumption or warehousing at the border. Break bulk consignments will undergo final clearance at the border, while containerized cargo will be directed to the IEC for at inland offices for final clearance. This streamlined approach eliminates the previous two-tier entry process that required lodging a declaration at the border and another one at the IEC, which consumed valuable time and increased costs for both traders and the Authority.

The introduction of the new system is expected to achieve the following key outcomes:

·        Goods will undergo regulatory examinations at the border, applying risk-based principles to clear low-risk cargo on the spot, while channelling containerized cargo to the IEC for further processing.

·        The new system leverages advanced electronic information to simplify and expedite the clearance of goods, ensuring a smoother process for all stakeholders involved.

·        By reducing the cost of doing business in the country, the new system enhances trade facilitation, benefiting both local and international traders.

To ensure the swift clearance of goods, it is recommended that declarations be lodged at least five days prior to importation. This will allow sufficient time for processing and minimize any potential delays.

MRA is assuring all importers and the business community that the Authority will continue improving standards and Customs operating procedures in line with international best practices.

Contact us: Telephone: +265 (0) 1 832 685 | Toll-Free: 672 | E-mail: callcentre@mra.mw | www.mra.mw

John S. Biziwick
COMMISSIONER GENERAL