HARARE: The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has come up with measures to protect local industry by increasing duty on imports and revoking a number of rebates. A rebate is a waiver of both Value Added Tax and customs duty. In a recent presentation to members of the Matabeleland Chamber of Industries (MCI), a chapter of Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries, Zimra deputy commissioner general in charge of taxes, Happias Kuzvinzwa, said this was done in implementation of government policy including protection of local industry and legislated incentives to manufacturers.
He said this in response to a question posed by the industry body which asked how Zimra was paying back to industry instead of demanding taxes and duties only. “We’re working on implementing an electronic cargo tracking system that uses electronic seals and transmitters to monitor transit cargo,” said Kuzvinzwa.
“We’re also looking at implementing use of non-intrusive inspection systems like sniffer dogs, joint border patrols with other security agencies, cargo escorts and commercial clearance of private imports transported by hired carriers.
“We’ve introduced customs duty on selected imported agricultural implements in order to enhance the competitiveness of local producers, for example a specific duty of $5 per kilogramme on plough beam and to revive the local soap manufacturing industry.”
