Chirundu  border keeps ZABS busy

Sat, 22 Jul 2017 10:28:38 +0000

By BUUMBA CHIMBULU

THE Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) has between January and June 2017 recorded 10,216 import inspections through the various border entry points across the country with Chirundu border post recording the highest number of imports inspections totalling 6,679.

ZABS head of marketing and public relations, Hazel Zulu, said the Chirundu border post recorded the highest number of product inspections owing to the fact that ZABS was working with the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) to inspect products using the single window online clearance system of imports.

“Out of the 10,216 import inspections recorded during the period under review, Chirundu border post recorded 6,679 import inspections which number can be attributed to the effectiveness and efficiency of the single window online system,

“The imports ranged from foodstuffs, chemicals, fertilizer, rubber products, electrical products, construction materials and textiles products,” she said.

Ms. Zulu said in a statement that the single window system had worked well as it allowed the two government institutions to effectively share vital information electronically to speed up the clearance and inspection process.

She explained that this reduced the turnaround time for inspection and clearance of goods to promote economic development.

“The ZABS is also pleased to note that Chirundu border post recorded the highest number of product inspections due to the fact that ZABS is working in collaboration with ZRA to inspect products using the single window online clearance system of imports,

“The other border entry points where ZABS has presence include; Katima Mulilo, Kazungula, Chanida and Mwami borders. Others are Nakonde, Livingstone and Victoria Falls,” she said.

Ms. Zulu also explained that imports inspected comprised goods or services brought into one country from another which formed the backbone of international trade.

She said inspections were conducted to ensure that the ZABS fulfilled its mandate of guaranteeing that only products that met the minimum requirements of the set standards were allowed to enter Zambia.