ZRA SEIZES 66,000 LITRES OF SMUGGLED ETHANOL

The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has seized two trucks carrying 66,000 litres of smuggled ethanol with a revenue loss of K3 million to the Zambian government.

The two trucks which entered Zambia through the Nakonde One Stop Border Post were both declared as carrying 132 packages of Calcium Hypochlorite each. Calcium does not attract customs duty but is subject to 16% Import Value-Added Tax (VAT).

However, upon inspection, ZRA officers discovered that the trucks were carrying Ethanol 96.0% in 250-liter plastic drums, contrary to the initial declaration. The Ethanol was packaged in drums labelled “Extra Neutral Alcohol 96%” with stickers bearing the code UN1170, confirming the commodity was indeed Ethanol.

Further verification of the declarations confirmed that the entries were declared with Zambia Breweries PLC as the importer and Transtra International (Z) LTD as the declarant or agent. An Alcohol Permit and delivery documents were also discovered, confirming the product as Ethyl Alcohol, with Zambia Breweries Limited listed as the buyer.
This misclassification constitutes smuggling, violating Sections 141, 149, and 159 of the Customs and Excise Act CAP 322 of the Laws of Zambia.

The Authority has commenced further investigations on the matter with potential prosecution of all parties involved. The agent which is Circle Transtra International (Z) Limited’s TPIN has already been suspended with a possible revocation of its operating license.

A thorough check on all the twenty-one (21) declarations processed between 2023 and 2025 by Zambia Breweries and Circle Transtra International (Z) Limited will also be made to ascertain if there was any revenue loss.

The two trucks were intercepted between 3rd August and 6th August 2025 along the Great North Road.

Taxpayers are encouraged to pay their taxes and remain compliant with tax laws in order to avoid punitive enforcement measures including prosecution. ZRA is building taxpayers trust through facilitation to compliance and endeavours to make taxpaying experience better through provision of a courteous and professional service.

No one is unaware of the benefits of paying taxes. If we have good roads, hospitals and schools, it’s all because of taxes. Smugglers hinder the country’s development. It’s like cutting the branch you are sitting on.

It is possible to make profits legally. Many traders operate properly and make profits after paying their taxes. The first thing we encourage traders to do is to avoid smuggling. Secondly, report smugglers. Those who import goods legitimately cannot compete fairly with smugglers. Sharing information will help create a level playing field, allowing all traders to prosper honestly. Therefore, honest traders need protection from smugglers.