ZRA SEIZES TWO TRUCKS WITH SMUGGLED PREFORMS

The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has seized two trucks in for the offense of origin fraud with a revenue loss of over K1.2 million.

Speaking in Kapiri Mposhi today, ZRA Corporate Communications Manager Oliver Nzala said the seized consignment is made of preforms that were manufactured in India but were declared as coming from Tanzania. Tanzania is a member of SADC, and as such, products coming from that country qualify for preferential treatment where customs duty is waived. A physical inspection of the goods revealed that the goods were originating from India.

“Preforms are small, test tube-shaped pieces of plastic, most commonly made from PET (polyethene terephthalate), that serve as a precursor to plastic bottles and containers. They are manufactured through injection moulding and are then transformed into their final shape via blow moulding either as bottles or containers”, Mr. Nzala added.

Further to the offense, the importer had been charged with undervaluation since the consignment was purported to have originated from Tanzania when not.

Each truck is carrying 800 boxes of preforms.

These incidences highlight the ongoing issue of smuggling and tax evasion in Zambia, with the ZRA actively working to combat these practices.

ZRA has been increasing its efforts to curb smuggling, particularly in areas bordering neighbouring countries where such activities are prevalent.

The Authority has deployed additional resources, including increased staff and surveillance technology, to monitor entry points and address vulnerabilities. ZRA also encourages public participation in reporting suspicious activities.