30 Jan 2022

Southern African Customs Union (SACU) high tariffs on second hand clothing imports is an attempt to not only promote manufacturing in member states, but to also help the industry survive.

Botswana Unified Revenue Service Commissioner of Customs Services, Mr Segolo Lekau stated this in response to a question during a media conference held at the Kazungula One Stop Border Post (OSBP) on Wednesday and explained that the perception that the Kazungula Border charged high tariffs because Zambia was not a member was baseless since

Botswana and Zambia had trade agreements that recognised all goods made in both countries.

He however, said the agreements did not cover second hand clothing as they were not originally from Zambia.

Mr Lekau encouraged all border users to declare goods in their possession, to avoid seizure and also to contribute to the economy.

On other issues, Mr Lekau told the media that Kazungula Bridge accumulated P2 million monthly, from toll fee collection.

He said Kazungula OSBP, which started operating May last year had raised close to P18 million to date. The commissioner of operations, Mr Phodiso Valashia explained that BURS tariffs structure was such that goods used for manufacturing attracted less or no tax. He urged Batswana to take advantage of the privilege and participate in the manufacturing industry. ”

As a nation, we should not be seen to be having much interest in dumped goods but rather in manufacturing our own,” said Mr Valashia.

Mr Valashia implored all border users and the public to report corruption to the relevant authorities.

He said BURS had zero tolerance for corruption as it was a public institution running the affairs of the nation. ENDS