Through the MoU, BOTC will be regulating the importation and exportation of goods in Botswana while on the other hand BURS is the competent authority in terms of the facilitation, control of importation and exportation of goods in Botswana including the prohibition of illicit trade.
The relationship will see BOTC recommend tariff changes through the SACU tariff board and SACU council and BURS implements the changes.
Speaking during the signing recently, BURS Commissioner-General Jeanette Makgolo said the MoU sets in motion a formal and predictable framework that will allow the two entities to cooperate and exchange information that is mutually beneficial to the parties.
“On average BURS processes imports to the value of P70 billion and exports P60 billion annually, which is the worth and volume of imports and exports that BOTC regulates,” she said. BOTC Caretaker CEO Shirley Moncho said the parties have realised the need to collaborate under their respective statutory mandate.
“Areas of cooperation include among others sharing information and consultation regularly on matters of mutual interest. The strategic relationship would also build the capacity of the officers from the two organisations in terms of improved understanding of their respective mandates and present a better opportunity to serve the business community more efficiently,” Moncho said.
She added they are tasked with investigating allegations of dumping, subsidised export and import surges within the Common Customs Area that affect SACU industries and make recommendations to the SACU tariff board. BOTC was established through the Botswana Trade Commission Act, 2013 to domesticate the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Agreement of 2002, in particular Article 14. BOTC is mandated to investigate and determine the impact of tariffs in Botswana and provide written recommendations regarding any tariff changes to the SACU Tariff Board for onward decision making by the SACU Council.
