Trade agreements
Zimbabwe has trade agreements with several countries in which all qualifying goods enter the territory of one another at preferential duty rates. What do the agreements entail?
The trade agreements will result in the goods being accorded preferential treatment on entry into the importing country. Preferential treatment means that products originating from a member country will attract less or no customs duties in the importing country.
What types of goods qualify? The following are some of the goods that qualify for preferential treatment: Wholly grown products, for instance agricultural products
Animals originating in a member state Mineral products Manufactured products meeting set out qualifying criteria, among other goods in the territory of either contracting party. How does one qualify to export goods under these agreements?
In Zimbabwe, exporters intending to export goods in terms of these agreements must apply for registration at the nearest Zimra Office. Once it is ascertained that the goods qualify as originating from Zimbabwe, the application is processed and the exporter is allocated a reference number which must be quoted on every Certificate of Origin upon exporting products to those specified countries.
What documents are required by the importing country for the goods to enjoy preferential treatment? Certificate of Origin, duly stamped and signed by a competent authority e.g. Customs. This serves as confirmation that the goods being exported are originating from a member state.
Commercial invoice for the goods
Consignment notes
Freight and insurance statements
Licences and permits, where required
Customs Declaration Form No 1
Packing list where necessary
Bill of Entry
What are the benefits of exporting goods under these agreements?
Since trade agreements remove duties and other barriers between nations, this results in goods entering in the territory of either contracting party at reduced and competitive prices
Goods become competitive in the foreign markets
Enhances trade and investments thereby boosting economic activity
Stimulate the economy by facilitating mutual benefit
Enhances co-operation between contractual parties
Zimbabwe is part to the following trade agreements:
Comesa Trade Protocol for exports to all Comesa member states
Sadc Trade Protocol for exports to all Sadc member states
Zimbabwe/Malawi Trade Agreement for exports to Malawi
Zimbabwe/Botswana Customs Agreement for exports to Botswana
Zimbabwe/Namibia Trade Agreement for exports to Namibia
Zimbabwe/ Mozambique Trade Agreement for exports to Mozambique
The Generalised System of Preferences for exports to European Union countries
Disclaimer
This article was compiled by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority for information purposes only. Zimra shall not accept responsibility for loss or damage arising from use of material in this article and no liability will attach to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority.
To contact ZIMRA:
WhatsApp line : +263 782 729 862 – Visit our website : www. zimra.co.zw – Follow us on Twitter : @Zimra_11 – Like us on Facebook : www.facebook.com/ZIMRA.11 – Send us an e-mail : [email protected]/[email protected] – Call us (Head Office) : 04 –758891 /5; 790813; 790814; 781345; 751624; 752731
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