Expose corruption at borders, ZRA urges clearing agents

By MUBITA KATETE

THE Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has challenged clearing agents to expose corruption at border posts and uphold professional standards, warning that the fight against unethical conduct must involve both public officials and private sector players.

Commissioner General Digani Banda says clearing agents should not hesitate to report corrupt practices involving ZRA officers and other stakeholders, stressing that accountability was a shared responsibility in ensuring transparent and efficient trade operations.

"Hold us accountable. Report issues of corruption. Do not hesitate to hold us accountable as public officials," he said.

Speaking at the Zambia Customs and Forwarding Agents Association (ZCFAA) annual general meeting, Mr Banda said the authority was committed to working with clearing agents to strengthen ethical conduct and improve service delivery at border posts.

He urged members to report unethical behaviour and operational challenges, assuring them that complaints would be handled confidentially and followed up.

Mr Banda said the industry also needed to strengthen compliance, invest in staff training and promote professionalism to support legitimate trade and revenue collection.

Mr Banda also called for stronger collaboration between ZRA and clearing agents to accelerate customs reforms, reduce border delays and support the government's Grow Zambia Agenda.

He said the authority was pursuing reforms aimed at transforming one-stop border posts into non-stop operations through pre-clearance, technology, integrated data systems and risk-based inspections.

Mr Banda also highlighted the planned migration from ASYCUDA World to ASYCUDA AC5, saying the upgrade would provide greater flexibility in developing system features and incorporating local technical expertise.

He urged clearing agents to hold ZRA accountable for ensuring that industry recommendations were reflected in the new system.

Mr Banda also highlighted plans to expand electronic permits, customs-to-customs data exchange, electronic cargo tracking and the electronic single window.

He said improved cooperation between ZRA and the clearing industry was essential to achieving accurate revenue collection, dependable services to traders and effective control of goods.