Forwarders’ association pushes for customs simplification

Zimbabwe’s Shipping and
Forwarding Agents’ Association
(SFAAZ), which represents all
registered customs clearing agents
in the country, is using its muscle to
negotiate with government on behalf
of the industry.
According to chief executive
officer Joseph Musariri, the
330-strong membership together
“collect a lot of revenue on behalf of
government”.
“We are quite influential, and are
seen in Parliament as the face of the
industry,” he says.
The association sets recommended
tariffs for clearing and other services,
and also ensures that members
adhere to a code of conduct.
Externally, the current focus is on
customs, with a drive to standardise
and simplify procedures.
A breakthrough came when the
55-year-old SFAAZ changed tactics
from being at “loggerheads to
partners.
“We are now making a difference
in terms of policy,” he says, while
warning that change comes slowly in
government.
Another focus is the infrastructure
at border posts – where he believes
progress is also being made.
The association was well respected
by the freight forwarders and
customs agents interviewed by FTW,
and also by sister associations across
the continent.
Musariri has been appointed
the first president of the newly
formed Federation of Clearing and
Forwarding Agents of Southern
Africa.
He has been one of the driving
forces behind the formation of the
regional association, and sees its role
as working with the customs offices
of the different countries in the sub
region to simplify and speed up
customs procedures.
SFAAZ is also involved in
training, and organises diploma
courses in customs clearing and
freight forwarding.