Africa-Press – Malawi. The Southern Africa Development Community (Sadc) electronic certificate of origin is expected to reduce cross-border trade costs, improve speed and tame use of counterfeit documents.
This was said Wednesday during the launch of the certificate in Blantyre by the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) at an event which attracted representation from Sadc member states and secretariat.
Addressing the delegates, Sadc Director of Finance, Investments and Customs Sadwick Mtonakutha said trading across borders remains a most complicated process as it is still dependent on paper documents.
He said the global trade environment is increasingly becoming sophisticated, and the new rules and regulations are emerging as the role of customs and trade regulatory agencies is becoming critical.
He added that cross border transactions involve multiple actors requiring the exchange of several documents and multiple copies and if the documents and processes are digitised, it can help in speeding custom procedures at borders.
“We view the implementation of a new electronic certificate of origin as a significant step in securing the trading environment to save time and costs, and increase transparency,” he said.
Sadc rules of origin are a set criteria used to determine whether or not the goods duly qualify as originating from the Sadc member states for them to enjoy preferential treatment under the Sadc Free Trade Area.
However, for years, the certification process was being done manually. With the electronic certification in place, traders will have their goods certified electronically. MRA Commissioner General John Biziwick said the launch of the electronic certificate of origin complements the authority’s digital drive.
“I, therefore, appeal to the business community in Malawi and the entire Sadc region, more particularly exporters and importers, to make good use of the system which will reduce the cost of business thereby driving growth,” he said.
The electronic certificate is currently in its pilot phase in Malawi, Zambia and the Kingdom of Eswatini. The project has been championed with funding from the European Union and the Germany Government.
Justin Mkweu is a fast growing reporter who currently works with Times Group on the business desk. He is however flexible as he also writes about current affairs and national issues.
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