By Liz Dlodlo
The Common Market for East and Southern Africa’s (Comesa)’ Regional Customs Transit Guarantee Scheme (RCTG Carnet) has launched a Mobile Application designed to provide access to real-time information to clearing and forwarding agents.
Among other countries, Zimbabwean agents are set to benefit from the latest development.
The body’s Secretary General, Ms Chileshe Kapwepwe said the new application is accessible on Google Play Store and Apple Store.
The official added that it (application) is a one-stop shop that will allow clearing and forwarding agents in member countries to view current bond balance and active Carnets, get notifications on Carnet acquittals and expiry of RCTG Bonds.
“Carnet is a Guarantee document that is used throughout the transit process as a proof of a valid Guarantee/Bond and an undertaking to comply with Customs obligations within each transit country.
“The RCTG Scheme is a customs transit regime developed to facilitate the movement of goods under customs seals in the Comesa region,” Said Kapwepwe.
She said the initiative also provides the required customs security and guarantee to the transit countries.
The latest development, she said will help reduce the cost of Bond /Guarantee and collaterals charged by Sureties and agents.
“I certainly believe that the creation of this Mobile Application is a very practical way of enabling clearing and forwarding agents to access real-time information on their RCTG bonds from wherever they are without going through Customs Authority offices”, said Ms Kapwepwe.
The (Comesa) Carnet, is the second of its kind in the world after the European Transports Internationaux Routiers (TIR) Carnet and the only one in the region and continent.
It is recognized by the World Customs Organization (WCO).
The RCTG Scheme has 13 members namely: Burundi, Djibouti, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Malawi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
Currently, the scheme is operational in five countries; namely: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda.
The RCTG Carnet is fully digitalized and integrated with the National Customs IT Systems.
