By VITA BANDA
THE Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has intercepted 80, 000 litres of ethanol, which was smuggled into the country resulting in the country losing K3.1 million.
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The ethanol, packed in 80 drums each of 1, 000 litres, was declared as hydrogen peroxide.
ZRA Corporate Communications Manager, Oliver Nzala, said an inspection for quantity and declaration revealed that the product was ethanol.
He said further inspections of the two trucks used for smuggling and verification of documents also revealed that the same consignment was declared as ethanol in Botswana.
Mr Nzala said the ZRA has deployed robust techniques to ensure that it actively conducts intelligence surveillance, investigations, and prosecution of unscrupulous traders.
“The drums on the trucks have stickers that show that the consignment is hydrogen peroxide. This is just to conceal the true consignment, which is ethanol.
The estimated revenue loss on this fraudulent activity is K3.1 million. Ethanol is used as a raw material in the production of excisable products.
“Therefore, smuggling distorts the collection of data by customs for trade purposes, loss of revenue, and unfair trade competition,” Mr Nzala said.
He said ZRA, working with other government agencies, is committed to the fight against illicit trade.
“Taxpayers are encouraged to pay their taxes and remain compliant with tax laws to avoid punitive enforcement measures, including prosecution. ZRA is building taxpayers’ trust through facilitation to compliance and endeavours to make taxpaying experience better through the provision of a courteous and professional service,” Mr Nzala said.
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