Complaint

Complaint number
NTB-000-458  
NTB Type
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures  
Complaint
Time taken to clear both side, high cost of paid to clearing agents both sides and attitude of Botswana customs officials is a seriuos concern and a mojr NTB. What you encounter at boarders is inconsistant and contradicts what the government preaches in relation to SMME development.  
Status note
Botswana reported that BURS is committed to ensuring that all procedures are standard, transparent and consistent at all times to all traders and are working hard to ensure that this is maintained. BURS are working hard on those issues to ensure efficient service delivery to all traders including SMMEs as they recognize the fact that they also contribute hugely to the growth of the country’s economy.

With regards to clearance, Botswana reported that, under normal circumstances, when one has all requirements in place, electronically processed customs declaration will be processed within 4 hours and manual declarations within 24 hours.

Clearing agents’ fees vary from agent to agent, however the average clearing fee for Imports is P650.00 and P450.00 for exports, this depends on mostly the weight, volume and type of commodity. These fees are set by the market. In order for the trader to be able to bypass the clearing agents they need to have registered for the ASYCUDA system with BURS, traders who trade at least every week and meet other mandatory requirements are given rights to use the ASYCUDA system.  
Progress update note
On 9th January 2012, Botswana Focal Point reported that Botswana Unified Revenue Services, (BURS) being a customer centric organization always ensure that the services and standards of the organization are kept abreast with other international standards; hence improvement of their service delivery is an ongoing process. BURS appreciates all the complaints regarding service delivery as they will assist us in identifying areas which need extra attention in improving. BURS is also committed to ensuring that all procedures are standard, transparent and consistent at all times to all traders and are working hard to ensure that this is maintained. BURS are working hard on those issues to ensure efficient service delivery to all traders including SMMEs as they recognize the fact that they also contribute hugely to the growth of the country’s economy.  
Policy or regulatory NTB
No 
Location
Botswana: Martins Drift (Border post)  
Reporting Country or Region
Botswana  
Country specific trade issue
No  
Date of incident
2011-09-08  
Status
Resolved  
Date of resolution
2012-12-11  
Product Description
Canvas,pvc and soft furniture


 
Total value
R150.00  
Date reported
2011-09-16 11:28  
Modified
2012-12-11 11:04  

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