Electronic Cargo Tracking System
EWhat is Electronic Cargo Tracking System? LECTRONIC C a rgo Tracking Sys tem (ECTS) tracks and monitors transit cargo from the point of entry into Zimbabwe to the point of exit using electronic seals that are placed on the cargo.
The system covers containerised cargo, break bulk cargo and fuel tankers.
What Transporters, Clearing Agents & Companies should do?
Zimra has several geo-fenced transit routes across the country which transporters or clearing agents can choose.
Upon processing of Transit Bill of Entry at the port of entry, they should indicate and choose their route.
Once a geo-fenced route has been chosen, transporters should follow it until the truck exits the country.
A fee of $30 shall be payable on all road vehicles conveying goods and break-bulk cargo through Zimbabwe, where such seals and/or magnetic sealing cables are placed on the cargo.
The transit period of three (3) days for cargo shall include weekends and public holidays.
Offences under the ECTS system Diverting from the chosen geo-fenced route. The transporter shall be liable to a penalty of $2 000 for diversion from the route specified by the Commissioner General of Zimra if they do not seek prior authority.
Penalties and fines have to be paid before the offender exits the country Tampering with any of the electronic devices shall attract a penalty of $1.300. Tampering with the cargo along the route s is tantamount to transit fraud and is a prosecutable offence. Sealed trucks going off route to their garages in areas not marked as safe parking zones by Zimra without prior arrangements. Taking too long idle time or parking time along the way will trigger an alarm for the Reaction Team. Benefits of the ECTS to business and the country The system is a corruption fighting mechanism. The Electronic Cargo Tracking System reduces revenue leakages as it is an effective counter-smuggling system and it helps combat transit fraud. The Electronic Cargo Tracking System has brought efficient clearance processes at the border posts and decongested the points of entry and exit, thus making Zimbabwe a preferred trade and travel corridor in the region. Greater national security due to effective tracking of cargo. Improved insights into truck movements providing more accurate planning and improvements to the transportation infrastructure.
Helps do away with physical cargo escort which is costly in terms of time and money.
Protects local industry as transit goods can be diverted onto our market “duty free” and such goods cause undue competition to those who dully pay their taxes.
Transit diversion if not checked can throw genuine taxpayers out of business. Disclaimer This article was compiled by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority for information purposes only. ZIMRA shall not accept responsibility for loss or damage arising from use of material in this article and no liability will attach to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority. To contact ZIMRA: WhatsApp line: +263 782 729 862 Visit our; website : www. zimra.co.zw; Follow us on Twitter : @Zimra_11; Like us on Facebook: www.facebook. com/ZIMRA.11; Send us an e-mail: pr@zimra. co.zw/webmaster@zimra.co.zw; Call us (Head Office): 04–758891/5; 790813; 790814; 781345; 751624; 752731.