By Severino Garah

In an exciting development for importers, exporters and clearing agents, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has rolled out the Port Health and Radiation Protection Authority Modules as part of the Zimbabwe Electronic Single Window Project.

This initiative was launched on Wednesday, 9 October 2024. It is the second phase of the project, currently underway which aims to significantly improve the ease of doing business in the country.

The rollout took place at key entry points across Zimbabwe, including the Kazungula Border Post, Victoria Falls Border, Kariba Border Post, Chirundu Border Post, Nyamapanda Border Post, Plumtree, and Beitbridge Border Posts.

The Port Health module will also be implemented at Bulawayo and Victoria Falls Airports, ensuring a comprehensive upgrade to the country’s trade facilitation infrastructure.

The Single Window concept is a modern approach to international trade which allows importers and exporters to fulfill all requirements through a single electronic platform. It enables traders to submit documentation and receive electronic permits relating to import and export through a single window submission.

The aim of the single window is to ease trade through provision of a platform that requires less transaction costs and promotes faster processing time.

As a result, the streamlined process will reduce both costs and the time required for border clearance, making it easier for businesses to operate efficiently. The development is in line with government’s call for processes that improve ease of doing business.

The addition of this module comes against a background of government’s quest to have departments and agencies involved in trade to be added to the Zimbabwe Electronic Single Window (ZeSW). This will naturally help Zimbabwe integrate better into global value chains (GVCs) as a result of simplified exporting and importing.

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is supporting the ZeSW project as part of the harmonization of the customs service delivery initiative.