Story by Theophilus Chuma, Investigative Editor
DETAINED goods currently undergoing customs processes carry a potential revenue value of US$847 025.30 and ZWG27 927 900.87, highlighting the impact of Zimbabwe’s anti-smuggling crackdown in plugging revenue leakages and improving compliance with customs and tax obligations, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has said.
In an exclusive interview with ZBC News, ZIMRA revealed that the ongoing enforcement programme has already generated US$1 493 819.61 and ZWG87 803 715.37 in revenue that would otherwise have been lost through illicit trade.
The revenue authority said the operation, launched to combat the influx of smuggled goods, has delivered tangible results through tighter enforcement measures and enhanced surveillance.
“The programme has, to a large extent, managed to curb the smuggling of goods through intensified enforcement operations, increased surveillance and improved compliance monitoring,” ZIMRA said.
“The initiative has also resulted in the recovery of revenue that would otherwise have been lost through illicit trade activities.”
According to the authority, the figures collected so far demonstrate the effectiveness of the campaign in sealing loopholes that had previously cost the country millions of dollars in lost revenue.
“To date, revenue amounting to USD1 493 819.61 and ZWG87 803 715.37 has been collected through the programme. In addition, detained goods currently under customs processes have a potential revenue value of USD847 025.30 and ZWG27 927 900.87. This demonstrates the significant impact the crackdown has had in plugging revenue leakages and enhancing compliance with customs and tax obligations,” the authority said.
ZIMRA noted that the operation initially uncovered large volumes of contraband, including meat products and other restricted goods entering the country through informal channels. However, it said the situation has improved considerably as enforcement efforts continue.
“At the inception of the programme, a significant number of interceptions involved meat products and other contraband goods entering the country through informal channels,” the authority said.
“However, continued enforcement operations, public awareness and stricter penalties have contributed to a noticeable decline in such cases, as importers and transporters are now more aware of the legal and health implications associated with smuggling.”
The authority also reminded importers of their legal obligations when bringing goods into the country.
“Importers are required to make full and correct declarations at the port of entry in accordance with customs laws and procedures,” ZIMRA said.
“Commercial goods should be cleared on a Bill of Entry, whilst non-commercial or private importations are cleared using Form 47 where applicable.”
It added that controlled products must be accompanied by the relevant licences, permits and statutory approvals before clearance can be granted.
On the broader economic impact, ZIMRA said the crackdown is helping create a level playing field for local manufacturers while safeguarding consumers from potentially dangerous products.
“The ongoing crackdown has played a significant role in protecting local industry by promoting fair competition between imported and locally manufactured goods,” the authority said.
“Through reassessment of under-declared imports and recovery of additional duties, the programme ensures that all traders comply with the same regulatory and tax obligations.”
ZIMRA added that the interception and destruction of improperly cleared foodstuffs, prohibited drugs, medicaments and skin-lightening creams are helping protect public health and safety while strengthening confidence in formal trade channels.
The anti-smuggling campaign forms part of wider Government efforts to curb illicit trade, strengthen domestic industry and maximise revenue collection through improved customs compliance.
