By BUUMBA CHIMBULU
CLEARING companies and the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) have resolved to implement the new tax online system which had sparked protests among some agents.
In an unexpected move, ZRA and the executive committee of all clearing associations from Nakonde have resolved to proceed with the implementation of the Customs Clearing Agents Management Module (CAMM) in a phased approach.
ZRA has also resolved to lift all suspensions slapped on clearing companies that participated in the disruption of border operations at Nakonde border post.
However, agents with outstanding transactions remain suspended until they account for the transactions.
Following the agreement to go ahead and implement the CAMM, ZRA has extended the pilot phase of the module to end of December this year.
The issues were resolved during a meeting chaired by the ZRA Commissioner General, Kingsley Chanda, together with Commissioner Customs Services, Sydney Chibbabbuka.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr Chanda assured the agents that the module would not take away any business from them and that the issue of multinationals controlling a higher percentage in the sector was being dealt with by Government.
“All fears and speculations will be dealt with during the extended period and that the module is being implemented in good faith and not in bad faith as portrayed by some sections of the clearing sector,” Dr Chanda said.
He said this represents 29.3 percent above target for January to April 2021.
“Most of these collections are from direct taxes and customs due to reduced smuggling,” Mr Sikalinda said.
