Staff Reporter

THE Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRa) has formally launched the Electronic Advance Rulings and Electronic Tariff techniques to streamline customs processes, present transparency, and enhance service supply.

NamRa’s Commissioner, Sam Shivute, defined that these digital instruments have changed the previous handbook processes, which have been missing in each transparency and effectivity. He revealed that the instruments allow customers to use for and entry data solely on-line, decreasing the necessity for in-person visits.

“With a manual process, you do not have transparency. With a manual process, you cannot talk about efficiency. With a manual process, you also cannot talk about cost savings, as it can be very costly for businesses. Some businesspeople, or members of the trading community, may require specific information related to tariffs, customs measures, or trade-facilitating agreements, but as a result of the manual process, they are unable to access this information. They may end up having to pay consultants to obtain it. What we have also noticed, one of the challenges with the manual system, is that people also claim ignorance. There have been many cases of misclassification and undervaluation,” Shivute defined.

He added {that a} lack of effectivity within the customs course of can hinder Namibia’s competitiveness and its capability to draw funding.

“When your efficiency is not up to scratch, the country can also be disadvantaged in attracting investment because you won’t be competitive if that information is not made available,” Shivute stated.

He due to this fact highlighted the launch of the Electronic Advance Rulings and Electronic Tariff techniques as a key milestone in NamRa’s digital transformation journey and aligned with its strategic goal of enhancing digital providers.

“When we said we aspire to be a world-class revenue agency, we meant it. It was never rhetoric. It will never be rhetoric,” Shivute added.