Helping shippers navigate 20 000 customs laws

Exporters and importers doing business with Zimbabwe have to navigate their way through more than 20 000 “ever-changing” laws, says Judith Chigumira, marketing officer for Group Air. Formed in 1985, the independent owner-managed logistics services provider, Group Air and its sister company GA Freight, provide air, road and sea freight forwarding, customs and logistics services. “Incorrect declarations may delay the release of loads, and also result in serious penalties. Clearly, customs is for trained professionals,” she says. The company has staff and offices at Harare and Bulawayo, and at the Beitbridge and Forbes border posts. It has its own 30-ton trucks for road transport, and is positioned for the expected rapid growth in freight once the Zimbabwean and world economies have overcome their present challenges. “As a signal of our confidence in the future, we have refurbished our head office building in Harare, and now present a fresh and more professional image to our clients,” she says. The company also uses the local and international experience built up over the years to provide consulting services to its clients. “Our staff has the expertise and contacts at customs, the airlines and shipping companies to ensure that the shortest possible transit times are achieved,” she says. Loads range from consolidation through to the charter of aircraft and even vessels for large shipments.