Cabinet approves Customs, Excise duty SI

CABINET has approved the customs and excise regulation 2024, a statutory instrument (SI) intended to provide a legal framework for the licensing and accreditation of customs clearing agents.

Prior to 2019, the mandate relating to licensing of customs and clearing and forwarding agents was gazetted through customs rules by the commissioner general of the Zambia Revenue Authority.

However, the provision for licensing of customs clearing and forwarding agents was removed from the customs and excuse general regulation of 2000 to provide for standalone regulation.

The customs clearing agents will, going forward be required to be licensed by the licensing committee.

The 2024 regulation approved by cabinet, will enable the operationalisation of the licensing committee and also specify the mandate, tenure and powers of the licensing committee.

The approval follows the third Cabinet meeting which was chaired by President Hakainde Hichilema on February 12, 2024.

Further, Cabinet also approved for publication and introduction in parliament during the current sitting, the animal identification and traceability bill, 2024. The objective of the bill, among others, are to appeal the Animal Identification Act No. 28 of 2010 to establish the animal identification and traceability unit and provide for its functions, provide for an animal identification and traceability system.

Another legislative matter approved by cabinet for publication and introduction in parliament during the current sitting is the investment, trade and business bill.

This is according to a statement issued by acting Minister of Information and Media and chief government spokesperson Brenda Tambatamba.