ZAMBIA LAUNCHES ELECTRONIC RULES OF ORIGIN (RoO) SYSTEM

THE Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), with the support of the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry (MCTI) have locally developed an electronic rules of origin (RoO) system. The system which is currently in pilot will allow manufacturers, producers and exporters to electronically register their products for preferential treatment and later allow them to apply for certificates of origin online. In the ever-changing fast-paced global business environment, enhanced trade facilitation has become critical not only for revenue collection but for sustainable development as well. Cognisant of this reality, the Zambia Revenue Authority has accelerated business reforms aimed at harmonizing processes that make it easier for our stakeholders to transact with the Tax Authority. From a customs point of view, other than these electronic rules of origin,  ZRA is developing its own enhanced and superior version of the customs management system which will soon replace the current Asycuda world.  This system will come with a lot of benefits such as card payment for duties and taxes and many other benefits that will excite everyone. The development of this electronic system was based on the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) electronic rules of origin framework whose development was facilitated by the SADC secretariat in order to harmonize the process of automating the registration of exporters, issuance and transmission of the certificates of origin in the region.  The ZRA corporate strategic plan of 2019-2021 reaffirms the commitment to enhancing process efficiency. This commitment is aimed at ensuring that ZRA leverages technology to enhance service delivery and promote compliance by simplifying business processes through relying on ICT systems.  The development of the electronic rules of origin, therefore underscores the importance ZRA attaches to the need to modernize its clearance processes in order to ensure that legitimate trade is facilitated safely and quickly resulting in reduced costs of doing business.   In February this year, ZRA working with the Ministry of Trade Commerce and Industry undertook awareness campaigns regarding the developed electronic rules of origin system through the print and electronic media and also invited key stakeholders, that is; exporters, manufacturers, producers, clearing agents and members of business associations for virtual training sessions which were conducted over a period of three weeks, resulting in over 270 participants sensitized and trained. There are many benefits of the electronic rules of origin system which are not only about improving processing efficiencies, the reduction in the cost of doing business but also stop the spread of the covid-19 disease through the elimination of physical interactions. This will ultimately promote trade facilitation and create a safe business environment. By Topsy Sikalinda