James Molokomme - one-stop customs document will speed up services. Leonard Neill THE PROCESSING of documents has become far easier in Botswana since the country’s customs department went on-line earlier this year, says Hoya Freight’s James Molokomme. Now he is hoping that the one-stop document agreed upon for border entry from both South Africa and Namibia will speed up services at all border posts. The Botswana customs on-line service has improved movements through border posts, he says, and the agreement by the three countries involved in the Transkalahari Highway to accept a single customs document should be a boost to all concerned. “Although the majority of Botswana-based operators confine their activities to domestic services, there are some who handle over-border services. And all those who offer domestic services require deliveries from South Africa through that country’s transporters,” he says. “Recently troubles arose on the South African side, where most of the cross-border consignments are destined, or where the border posts which are the point of entry for imports into Botswana are situated. “The South African customs officials are calling for proof of shipping,” he says. “I can understand their concern, with the record of round-tripping which they have experienced in their country. Goods being allowed to move free of VAT for trans-border movement but which never leave South Africa’s borders. “Nevertheless we, as a foreign trader, have felt victimised by this approach. It often leads to lengthy delays while the documentation is being obtained. Now we are hoping that matters will get smoothed out with the introduction of the one-stop document, and that a change of plans can accompany it.”
