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The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has intercepted three trucks carrying 119,500 litres of ethanol falsely declared as paraffin, averting a potential loss of K5.8 million in Government revenue.
The trucks were intercepted at the Kafue checkpoint after officers from ZRA’s Mobile Enforcement Unit questioned the description of the cargo, which had been declared at the Chirundu One Stop Border Post.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, ZRA Corporate Communications Manager, Oliver Nzala, said the consignment comprised 478 drums, each containing 250 litres of liquid.
He said officers became suspicious during a physical inspection after detecting a spirit-like smell that was inconsistent with paraffin.
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“The officers impounded the three trucks and escorted them to the Makeni Enforcement Centre, where samples were collected and submitted for laboratory analysis,” he said.
Laboratory tests subsequently confirmed that the consignment was ethanol and not paraffin as indicated in the customs declarations.
Nzala said misrepresenting imported goods through false customs declarations was an offence that deprived the Government of revenue and undermined fair competition among businesses.
He explained that the description of goods on customs declarations determined their tariff classification and the applicable duties and taxes.
Nzala warned importers, clearing agents and transporters against participating in or facilitating smuggling, saying false declarations were punishable under the Customs and Excise Act, Chapter 322 of the Laws of Zambia.
He said offenders risked having their goods seized and facing prosecution.
Nzala urged importers and clearing agents to ensure that descriptions on customs declarations accurately reflected the goods being imported and corresponded with supporting documents.
He also advised traders who were uncertain about the correct classification of their products to seek clarification from ZRA before submitting declarations.
He urged members of the public to report suspected smuggling and false customs declarations to the nearest ZRA office.
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