ZRA THWARTS ILLEGAL TIMBER SMUGGLING

In an effort to curb illegal smuggling of Forest Produce, the Zambia Revenue Authority in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority intercepted four (4) truck laden with timber logs trying to make exit into Zimbabwe at Chirundu One Stop Border Post.

The consignments did not have the relevant forestry export permit and other export clearance documentation for Zambia. The timber logs and trucks have been seized for attempted smuggling in line Section 149 of the Customs and Excise Act, CAP 322 of the laws of Zambia.

The consignments and Trucks have since been forfeited to the state and handed over today to the Forestry Department- Ministry of Green Economy and Environment in line with the provisions of the Forests Act No. 4 of 2015.

The revenue loss from the smuggling activity is K188,000 in Export Duty. The trucks alone are valued at K3.6 million

In another development , ZRA intercepted 3,310 boxes of cosmetics in Kapiri Mposhi with a revenue loss of K350,000.

The goods were intercepted after investigations revealed that about 576 boxes were cleared using the form CE7 form used for petty or smaller consignments. The other 2,734 boxes were not declared at all.

The Zambia Revenue Authority would like to remind and warn importers, exporters, clearing agents and transporter involved in similar schemes that they risk having their goods and trucks seized and forfeited to the state.

By taking decisive action against these fraudulent activities, the Authority aims to promote legitimate trade.