Customs officer turned clearing agent offers advice

Zambian Customs is not difficult – but being a clearing agent is not as easy as many people think. And Perry Siatulye, managing director of Halifax Freight Services in Ndola, should know – he started the company several years ago after years as a Zambian customs officer. “There are too many clearing agents at present and some are just not as efficient as others. Zambia's economy was doing well, booming in fact thanks to the mines, and there were a lot of imports which of course led to people thinking they would give clearing a go as an easy way to make money,” says Siatulye. “But then when they don’t come right or they are in the wrong, then suddenly Zambian Customs is difficult. That is by far not the case, but you have to know what you are doing in this business.” The importance of administration cannot be stressed enough, according to Siatulye. “Correct documents make all the difference. They must reflect the right amounts on the waybills, the invoices as well as on the descriptions while having documents available timeously ensures a smooth process.” With offices at every border crossing in Zambia, Siatulye and his team are familiar with the processes and says clients should fax or email documents ahead of time. “It just speeds up the process and ensures no delays when the originals arrive.” His advice to people moving cargo to Zambia is to familiarise themselves with the requirements of the country.” Like everyone else involved in the freight industry, Halifax has also felt the pinch. But, says Siatulye, everyone in the team has been putting in extra hours to make up for the effects. “We cut costs like everyone else, reduced charges and rates, and also diversified. All of this has gone a long way to keep us afloat.”