By Elizabeth Mandala, MANA
Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) and Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) have sealed a working relationship which will provide speed and efficiency in their operations in borders aimed at eliminating delays in clearance of goods.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by both, MRA Commissioner General Grey Malata and MBS Director General, Symon Mandala at MRA Head Office in Blantyre.
Speaking during the signing ceremony of the MoU, Malata said MRA introduced an automated system which allowed them to merge with the MBS just to ease processes in clearance of goods for both departments as well as traders.
The system also helps the tax collecting body to collect more revenue for the country.
“Traders are expected to go through both offices which is time consuming, and this has always been a burden on our clients.
“…and the faster we clear goods, the more revenue we collect in a short period of time as we will be attending to many traders,” said Malata.
On his part, Mandala said their integration in the new system would allow MBS to address issues of standards when clearing goods to be attended to when they are not physically there.
“Since issues will be dealt with on one platform, then MRA can easily attend to our standards when we are not physically present at that particular border post, hence improving efficiency of our operations,” said Mandala.
He added that the automated system would help MBS to always achieve the expected standards.
The MBS Director General also commented on the goods that come into the country using unchartered routes, saying they are dealt with.
“We are also working together with MRA and Malawi Police Service to deal with those in this malpractice because it is a big challenge as the country loses revenue and is infested with substandard goods,” Mandala said.
Malawi Government put in place five border agencies at the border posts. The agencies include; MRA, MBS, Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
