Mozambique has stepped up
efficiency and revenue collection
following the implementation of
a single window system in the
country.
According to Abishek
Dewan, a technical manager
for the Mozambique customs
authority, there has been a huge
improvement in transaction times
with only eight clearance steps
compared to the previous 32.
“Transfers to government
treasury are now done in 48
hours instead of 14 days while
online payment facilities provide
convenience to clients and reduce
their travel time and waiting
time to pay for customs duties in
person.”
Initially introduced in 2011, the
system has been a work in progress
and has been implemented in a
phased approach.
“We have also managed to
reduce the list of documents
required,” said Dewan during
a presentation at the monthly
Transport Forum in Cape Town
recently. “Our average clearance
times at all ports has vastly
improved with some 84% of all
cargo cleared in less than 48 hours
and 74% cleared in less than 24
hours. At the same time revenue
recorded a year-on-year growth of
24% in 2014 and 14% in 2015.”
He said although the figures
were not yet available expectations
were for positive growth for 2016
as well.
“Our goal with the single
window system was to provide a
centralised electronic platform for
trade. The goals set have definitely
been achieved. Not only has our
revenue increased, but there has
been a cost reduction to the user
and it is a far more businessfriendly
environment.”
He said the system was now
operating across the country
with all the commercial banks on
board and they were about to start
implementing third party payment
services.
He said efforts were also
continuously under way to
re-evaluate the system to ensure
they remained as relevant as
possible.
“It is not simply about
implementing a system and then
it is done. We are working on it all
the time to ensure we improve the
overall experience of customers
with customs.”
