Beitbridge Customs drives away business

Shippers seek alternative, less direct routes MARIE-LAIS EMOND POOR SERVICE delivery by Customs at Beitbridge border post is driving away business. According to Brian Kalshoven, MD of Beitbridge Border Clearing, Customs is inhibiting trade to the extent that Zimbabwe and other SADC countries are moving goods on alternative routes in preference to the direct southerly option. As notoriously inefficient as Beira is perceived to be, Customs conditions there are considered better than the current situation at Beitbridge, says Kalshoven. More and more vehicles are also being diverted through Botswana because the Grobler’s Bridge control conditions are not nearly as baffling as those at Beitbridge. “SARS problems are not being solved, just diverted,” he said. Stringent and arbitrary inspections are the chief problem, in his view. “The inspections seem excessive and every time a container is opened or breakbulk load un-tarped, there is damage or pilferage, although it is denied.” The reasons for the inspections seem too capricious. He feels the rate and choice of inspections should be on a considered, risk-based basis and that accredited clearing agencies deserve their credit. On the Zimbabwean side of the border, every truck is now scanned by X-ray. The scanning takes about 15 minutes and there are more than 100 trucks arriving every day. The result is another long backlog. Here again Kalshoven feels the scanning should be conducted according to risk, not a 100% blanket check. “You can facilitate or you can frustrate trade,” says Kalshoven. “Part of Customs’ job is the facilitation of trade – it affects the South African economy a great deal.” In another respect, matters have improved on the South African side. The new system for production of acquittals is making that part of the process much more efficient, he added.