Tanzania Revenue Authority has said it is fully cooperating with other stakeholders in establishing an electronic single window system at Dar es Salaam port that will do away with physical cargo clearance.

The electronic Single Window System (eSWS) which was supposed to be introduced at the country’s prime port since 2010 through World Bank funding has been frustrated by a cartel of business elite, politicians and bureaucrats who are behind a loss of government revenue.

“We are cooperating fully and as a matter of fact TRA has a lot to benefit from the single window system,” said Director of Public Education and Taxation.

Kayombo pointed out that TRA has been in the forefront to embrace technology in cargo clearance at Dar es Salaam port hence its introduction of a Tanzania Customs Information System (TANCIS) since 2014.

“Online communication with stakeholders is TRA’s commitment as can be testified by TANCIS installation through which we can communicate with all importers and exporters to pay taxes,” he stressed.

Kayombo called on the country’s prime port community to cooperate with the contractor so that the project can be completed.

Sources at the port said some officials at Tanzania Ports Authority and TRA have been frustrating Belgian contractor, Phaeros BVBA from implementing the project but there has been little success on the ground. Phaeros was contracted by TPA in January 2014 to install the system but the company has been facing a lot of resistance from port stakeholders. Phaeros had won a competitive international tender.

Most port stakeholders argue that the eSWS is an unnecessary infrastructure in the presence of South Korean installed TANCIS which allows them to settle customs clearance payment.

Sources at TPA said the Euros 5 million (over 10.1bn/-) has been stalled because of ongoing management changes at the ports landlord. “We can say nothing much at present because the project is ongoing but delays are due to ongoing management changes,” said a source at Dar port.

The source however dismissed allegations that a South Korean company which installed TANCIS is being considered to complete the eSWS project. “It’s impossible because the Phaeros contract is legally binding which means whoever severs it must pay compensation,” the source argued.

The government and Investment Climate Facility funded Tanzania Customs Integrated System (TANCIS) implemented by Korea Trade Network (KTNET) and Korea Customs UNI-PASS Information Association (CUPIA).

Source: IPP Media

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