Imported vehicles entry ban lifted

SICHALI

THE Government has rescinded its decision to suspend entry of imported vehicles designated as In Transit (IT).

Earlier this week Government suspended entry into the country of imported vehicles as they passed through Tanzania, a Covid-19 high risk area.

Nakonde Clearing Agents Association Vice Chairperson, Chileshe Mutale, who confirmed the lifting of the ban said the stakeholders meeting yesterday called by Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) resolved to allow entry of motor vehicles after disinfection on the Tanzanian side.

Mr Chileshe, however, said drivers from Tanzania would only be allowed to deliver the vehicles to ZRA parking point.

“We had a stakeholders meeting with ZRA and are grateful to Government for rescinding its initial decision to completely suspend the entry of IT vehicles,” he said.

Mr Chileshe said the decision to allow imported vehicles to continue entering the country and being driven by Zambia delivers would avoid total collapse of the clearing industry.

“We thank Government for listening to our plea of not to completely suspend entry of imported vehicles because this will allow agents to remain in business and the country to continue collecting revenue through import duty,” Mr Chileshe said.

Mr Chileshe said ZRA had informed the Tanzanian counterparts on the latest development so that vehicles could start entering Zambia.

He advised agents to ensure that the driver engaged to deliver vehicles complied with the measures put in place to avoid spread of Covid-19.