By PETER SICHALI
THE Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has revoked recognition of Customs Clearing & Freight Forwarders Agents Association of Zambia (CCFFAAZ) for inciting clearing agents to go on work stoppage and agitating for disruption of border operations. In a letter addressed to Clearing Agents on behalf of Commissioner,Customs services, Wagner Chilembo said ZRA no longer recognizes CCFFAAZ as one of the associations representing clearing agents.
Mr Chilembo said ZRA has given 30 days to members of the CCFFAAZ to switch to any other Association of their choice and submit proof to ZRA, failure to which their declarant will be blocked. “In view of the recent happenings in which CCFFAAZ president incited clearing agents to go on work stoppage and agitated the disruption of border operations, you are hereby informed that ZRA no longer recognizes CCFFAAZ as one of the associations representing the agents.
You are given 30 days to switch to any other association of your choice and submit proof to ZRA, failure to which your declarant will be blocked,” Mr Chilembo said. Meanwhile, embattled CCFFAAZ President Bruce Kaemba has said ZRA has no powers not to recognize CCFFAAZ.
Mr Kaemba said CCFFAAZ was not registered by ZRA therefore has no mandate to revoke its recognition. He said the action by ZRA shows desperation to implement the Customs Management Module at all costs. “It is shocking to see how ZRA think they can have powers not to recognize our association thereby threatening our members with revocation if they do not affiliate to another association,” Mr Kaemba said.
