By Milcah Mathias
Blantyre, December 4, Mana: Participants to the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation (GATF) training workshop have commended the electronic tariff system that is yet to be introduced by Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA), observing that it will ease duty procedures and trade.
GATF in partnership with other organizations hosted a two-day training workshop in Blantyre with the aim of building capacity of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Malawi on various topics about export readiness.
In its presentation, MRA demonstrated on the usage of the electronic tariff to acquaint the participants with the new platform for easier operation of duty procedures as MRA is yet to roll out the new tariff.
The electronic tariff is integrated with features of online tariff tool such as; search by keyword or tariff code; browse through the tariff book by section and chapter; access legal notes; display rates of duty for different trade agreements.
The online tariff tool also consists of; view excise and other duties; estimate duties based on tariff code and country of origin and prohibited and restricted items among other sections.
One of the participants, General Manager for Crystal Wave Freight Logistics Limited, Geoffrey Singano, commended the e-platform, saying the system will ease trade.
“As agents and exporters, we will have clear information when it comes to the new electronic system that MRA will be using and we will be having easy access to information about billings and we will know how to accurately charge our clients,” said Singano.
Executive Director for Clothing Brand SMART Wardrobe, Bertha Chibondo, hailed the e-platform, noting that it will help out small-scale businesses to know clear guidelines on customs duties and regulations that will help traders to be abreast with full knowledge; thereby avoiding compliance barriers.
Executive Director of Swift Sew Tailoring School, Musonda Mitchel, hailed the new e-tariff, saying it is a positive development, which will help small businesses to accurately forecast import and export costs; hence, helping in financial planning.
“This is a good development as we are going to have up to date information and in advance as well as what is it that we are paying for, since information will be easily accessed,” said Mitchell.
The benefits of Online Tariff Tool by MRA also ranges from accessing tariff-related information via web browser or mobile devices; 24/7 accessibility to streamline trade processes for both the public and MRA, transparency, cost-reduction, fast decision making and facilitating compliance and revenue generation by providing up-to-date customs data.
Monitoring and Evaluation Coordination Support from GATF, Ruth Makwakwa, urged the participants to utilize the knowledge by applying what they have learnt and gained from the training.
Makwakwa encouraged participants to document businesses they are undertaking so as to show how they are progressing as a result of the knowledge from the training.
GATF supports governments in developing and least developed countries in implementing the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement.