Maputo customs holds back on X-ray scanning of containers

Shippers object to additional charge ALAN PEAT AN IMPORTERS’ user charge proposed for an X-ray container-scanning system in the port of Maputo in Mozambique by private- sector company, Kudumba, has been put on hold by Alfandegas, the Mozambique customs – with discussion meetings planned between the authorities and stakeholders in the container freight industry. The government had signed a concession agreement for the eventual nationwide installation and operation of a network of non-intrusive scanning equipment, according to Dr. Danilo Nalá, deputy director-general of internal control at Mozambique customs, and the charge had been authorised as part of this deal. However, a reaction from port and container operators in Mozambique had to be taken into consideration, he added, calling for written proposals from representative industry bodies before a meeting planned to discuss the issue. In the meantime, under conditions in the agreement, customs has decided to postpone the July 1 imposition of the tariffs “until further notice”. The importers’ complaint is that manual inspections in the past cost nothing, but - with the scanners - it will cost US$100 for inspection of each container. Discussions are being held between the importers, the customs service and Kudumba in an attempt to find a platform of understanding. Meanwhile, the new machinery is not being used.