Zimra to open electronic single window at RGM Airport
THE Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) will start implementing its Zimbabwe Electronic Single Window (ZeSW) system at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe (RGM) International Airport by the end of this year in a development expected to enhance efficiencies.
According to the Authority, the system will allow traders to access information online, allow faster clearance of goods, and reduce bureaucracy through paperless processing.
“Zimra is happy to announce that it will be introducing the Electronic Single Window (ZeSW) system at RGM International Airport before the close of this calendar year,” said ZIMRA Commissioner Customs and Excise, Mr Batsirai Chadzingwa.
“The ZeSW system will allow individual importers and exporters, companies, clearing agents, and transporters to access the web link https://esw.co.zw/ for information and transacting.The trading community can now access information online, which will result in faster clearances and a reduction in trading costs. The more predictable and reliable consignment clearance and markedly reduced bureaucracy will save time and ultimately money. In addition, ZeSW will reduce human intervention from ZIMRA, and other border agencies thereby improving transparency and reducing corruption,” added Chadzingwa.
Since its pilot run at Forbes border post, there has been an improvement in revenue collections for Port Health. Additionally, the ZeSW trade facilitation system has created a more structured and controlled working environment, enhanced professionalism, reduced corruption, and illegal trade activities.
The ZeSW trade facilitation system was officially launched in June 2022 with Forbes border post as the Pilot site for the implementation of the Ministry of Health and Child Care-Port Health module.
The concept was introduced with the main objective of improving trade facilitation and achieving efficiency and effectiveness in pursuing the goals of revenue collection, enforcement of trade laws, social protection, and providing business intelligence to the Government.
The introduction of the ZeSW also comes as the country recognises its critical role in the movement of goods in the region as Zimbabwe links several countries, becoming central to trade facilitation within the region.
Under the Single Window initiative, Zimra as the lead agency, has the role to ensure the coordination and harmonisation of clearance processes at the country’s ports of entry.
Successful implementation of the initiative will be a major relief to importers and exporters, shipping and freight forwarders, the transport sector, customs administration as well as Government departments and agencies, whose mandate includes the movement of food, drugs, health, agricultural-related products, and environment.
Other benefits include enhanced risk analysis, improved security, reductions in corruption and illegal trade activities, enhanced transparency, ease of access to trade statistics, and accountability.
The initiative is also in sync with global trends on customs reforms and best practices, as well as a National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) priority on trade facilitation.