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The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has seized two trucks carrying 66,000 litres of smuggled ethanol, resulting in a revenue loss of K3 million to the government.
The trucks, which entered the country through the Nakonde One Stop Border Post, were declared as carrying 132 packages of Calcium Hypochlorite each.
Calcium does not attract customs duty but is subject to 16 percent Import Value-Added Tax (VAT).
However, ZRA Corporate Communications Manager, Oliver Nzala, said in a statement on Sunday that an inspection revealed the trucks were instead transporting ethanol with an alcohol content of 96 percent in 250-litre plastic drums.
The drums were labelled “Extra Neutral Alcohol 96 percent” and bore stickers with the code UN1170, confirming the cargo was ethanol.
“Further verification of the declarations confirmed that the entries were made with Zambia Breweries PLC as the importer and Transtra International (Z) Limited as the declarant or agent,” Nzala said.
An alcohol permit and delivery documents were also found, showing Zambia Breweries Limited as the buyer.
Nzala explained that the misclassification constituted smuggling in violation of Sections 141, 149, and 159 of the Customs and Excise Act, CAP 322 of the Laws of Zambia. He said the matter was under further investigation, with possible prosecution of all parties involved.
“The agent, Circle Transtra International (Z) Limited, has already had its TPIN suspended, with a possible revocation of its operating licence,” Nzala said.
He added that ZRA would review all 21 declarations processed between 2023 and 2025 by Zambia Breweries and Circle Transtra International (Z) Limited to determine if there were other revenue losses.
The two trucks were intercepted along the Great North Road between August 3 and August 6, 2025.
Nzala urged taxpayers to comply with tax laws to avoid punitive enforcement measures, including prosecution.
“No one is unaware of the benefits of paying taxes. If we have good roads, hospitals, and schools, it’s all because of taxes. Smugglers hinder the country’s development — it’s like cutting the branch you are sitting on,” he said.
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