The Southern African Customs Union (SACU) recently revealed that its regional Joint Enforcement Operations targeting illicit trade successfully seized and detained tobacco products valued at approximately R479 million.
Announced at the 9th Summit of the Heads of State or Government, which convened leaders from Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Eswatini and Lesotho, the described this achievement as a milestone in its Strategic Plan to mitigate illicit trade in the regional economy.
The Summit revealed progress made on the SACU Regional Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, which has contributed to curbing illicit trade by building a network of trusted traders and monitored via risk management.
To date, the AEO has accredited over 1,000 traders. Accredited operators benefit from simplified customs procedures, such as expedited clearance of goods and reduced inspections. Namibia has contributed to this figure through the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA), which has accredited five operators.
The Summit further revealed the commencement of the Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA), which is designed to strengthen safety and security across regional supply chains while facilitating legitimate trade.
Earlier this year, the Technical Working Group on the implementation of the SACU MRA and officials from the Botswana Unified Revenue Service visited the country for a border walk-through to verify the operational processes and assess cross-border compliance.
The exercise served to identify potential operational challenges and areas requiring harmonisation between the customs administrations of Namibia and Botswana, while ensuring readiness for the full-scale implementation of the AEO MRA Pilot, scheduled for April next year.
