Tanzania: Customs Suspends 25 Clearing Firms Over Sharp Practices

East African Business Week (Kampala)
The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), through its Customs and Excise Department has suspended a total of 25 clearing and forwarding companies from operating as agents due to violation of customs laws and procedures governing clearance of goods.
According to Mr. Walid Juma, the TRA acting Customs and Excise Commissioner, during the suspension period, the respective clearing and forwarding agents are not allowed to deal with any customs transaction and all their employees are not allowed to enter any customs office or customs controlled area for the purpose of carrying out such transactions.
“Stern measures will be taken against any of the above agents who will not heed to the orders,” Mr. Juma said.
The companies are A.C.W. Enterprises Ltd, B & B W Freight Ltd, Break Through Holding Ltd, Cargo Expeditions (T) Ltd, Cinnamon Co. Ltd, Classic Commercial Service Co. Ltd, E.J.K. Holding Co. Ltd, Euro Africa Freight Ltd, Fast Track C & F Ltd, Geco Trans Agency (T) Ltd, Globex Freight (T) Ltd and Haraka Agencies (T) Ltd.
Others are Life Line Forwarders Ltd, Linkways International Ltd, Lotimoz International Ltd, Mobile Freight Ltd, Muhaka Co. Ltd, Royal C & F Agency Ltd and Smith Freight Forwarders Ltd.
The list also includes South South Services, Speedy Pacific Forwarders, Ujiji C & F Ltd, Vital Logistics Ltd and Wharf Holdings Ltd.
These companies have a total of 81 staff and 60 directors.
The Commissioner cautioned the business community and everyone who transacts with customs either directly or indirectly not to involve themselves in acts of violation of Customs Laws, saying that Customs Department will not tolerate any violation of the laws and will continue to impose severe punishment to offenders.