Africa-Press – Namibia. THE commissioner of the Namibia Revenue Agency (Namra), Sam Shivute, said 63% of imported goods from other countries for trading purposes are undervaluated, misclassified and not declared, which is causing the state to lose a lot of money.
THE commissioner of the Namibia Revenue Agency (Namra), Sam Shivute, said 63% of imported goods from other countries for trading purposes are undervaluated, misclassified and not declared, which is causing the state to lose a lot of money.
“You get a consignment of N$10 million, which is declared for N$1 million. We received news today from our container control unit that one of the consignments that were full of jeans was declared for 20 cents for each item.
“Some people, for instance, try to bring in phones, but the parts are separated and brought in through different entry points in the country.
“Importers do whatever they can to avoid paying. The state loses the rest of the money. It cannot continue like this,” he said.
Shivute was speaking to the media yesterday, amid the agency’s management visiting the Erongo region to familiarise themselves with operations in the region, and to optimise revenue collection through improved and voluntary compliance.
The group met with stakeholders, including the business community and political leaders, to share with and educate stakeholders on Namra’s mandate.
They shared information on tax and customs obligations, among others.
Shivute urged importers to take advantage of the modernisation programmes the agency offers to comply to the rules.
“We launched our advance ruling programme last month, for example. Before a business person starts to operate, they can come to us and learn about the required procedures and customs duties.
“Importers and traders can come to see if their businesses are risk assessed. If they qualify for the status of an authorised economic operator, they get benefits.
“They will not be delayed at borders. If there is a refund, they can be paid on time,” he said.
Shivute said Namra would contact brand holders to determine the validity and authenticity of goods.
“Sometimes it takes long, because the holders are in other countries. There is a penalty for undeclared and unclassified goods. If the owner cannot pay, items will be sold on auction or donated,” he said.
He asked customers to comply with the rules for the benefit of their businesses and the country’s economy.
Shivute said rumours of burning goods were false.
“The burning concept that was sold to the media and community is a false narrative. Namra did not burn anything. We destroyed the counterfeit goods as per the law, but nothing was burned,” he said.
He urged all businesses and individuals to be tax compliant and make sure the country receives the revenue due to it.
“You get a consignment of N$10 million, which is declared for N$1 million. We received news today from our container control unit that one of the consignments that were full of jeans was declared for 20 cents for each item.
“Some people, for instance, try to bring in phones, but the parts are separated and brought in through different entry points in the country.
“Importers do whatever they can to avoid paying. The state loses the rest of the money. It cannot continue like this,” he said.
Shivute was speaking to the media yesterday, amid the agency’s management visiting the Erongo region to familiarise themselves with operations in the region, and to optimise revenue collection through improved and voluntary compliance.
The group met with stakeholders, including the business community and political leaders, to share with and educate stakeholders on Namra’s mandate.
They shared information on tax and customs obligations, among others.
Shivute urged importers to take advantage of the modernisation programmes the agency offers to comply to the rules.
“We launched our advance ruling programme last month, for example. Before a business person starts to operate, they can come to us and learn about the required procedures and customs duties.
“Importers and traders can come to see if their businesses are risk assessed. If they qualify for the status of an authorised economic operator, they get benefits.
“They will not be delayed at borders. If there is a refund, they can be paid on time,” he said.
Shivute said Namra would contact brand holders to determine the validity and authenticity of goods.
“Sometimes it takes long, because the holders are in other countries. There is a penalty for undeclared and unclassified goods. If the owner cannot pay, items will be sold on auction or donated,” he said.
He asked customers to comply with the rules for the benefit of their businesses and the country’s economy.
Shivute said rumours of burning goods were false.
“The burning concept that was sold to the media and community is a false narrative. Namra did not burn anything. We destroyed the counterfeit goods as per the law, but nothing was burned,” he said.
He urged all businesses and individuals to be tax compliant and make sure the country receives the revenue due to it.
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