Non-Tariff Barriers

Complaint

Complaint number

NTB-000-194  

NTB Type

2.2. Arbitrary customs classification  

Complaint

The Zimbabwe tariff regime has a wide dispersion of import duty rates across the harmonised System. Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) and importers are often engaged in disputes over which tariff code to classify certain commodities. Where two tariff codes appear similar, ZIMRA officials would want to maximize revenue and classify commodities according the high revenue earning tariff. At the same time, importers classify commodities according to the lowest tariff rates in order to minimize costs. These tariff classification disputes act as a non tariff barrier which can delay the clearing of goods. Valuation of goods is done by senior Customs (ZIMRA) Officers who are not always available thus causing further delays.  

Status note

Zimbabwe reported that Clear tariff resolution structures are in place. These start from station level up to National level. Importers of goods may escalate the disputes to Fiscal courts and ZIMRA may also seek the assistance of WCO tariff rulings.  

Progress update note

 

Policy or regulatory NTB

No 

Location

Zimbabwe: Ministry of Industry & Commerce (Government institution)  

Reporting Country or Region

Zimbabwe  

Country specific trade issue

No  

Date of incident

2009-07-27  

Status

Resolved  

Date of resolution

2011-03-01  

Product Description

All Products

Computer-assisted translation

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• French
• Portuguese

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Total value

0  

Date reported

2009-07-27 00:00  

Modified

2011-03-01 14:46