MRA engages authorised economic operators

By Mayamiko Phiri……

The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) on Thursday engaged Authorised Economic Operators (AEOs) during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Blantyre.

The engagement aimed to appreciate AEOs that have been part of the programme since its inception in 2018, while also reminding them of their tax compliance obligations.

Speaking during the meeting, MRA Commissioner for Customs and Excise Patrick Kachingwe said the AEO programme provides several benefits, including faster clearance of goods at borders.

Kachingwe said AEOs are considered trusted players in the supply chain and therefore benefit from fewer physical inspections and more flexible payment arrangements.

“Unlike standard procedures where duty is payable immediately upon importation, AEOs benefit from flexible payment timelines as they are considered trustworthy players in the supply chain. Their goods are subjected to fewer physical examinations than under normal procedures,” said Kachingwe.

A participant, Sylvia Lwinga from CFAO Mobility Malawi, hailed the arrangement, saying it has helped improve efficiency and save time at the country’s borders.

“ The Authorised Economic Operators arrangement has made operations more secure and predictable when importing goods from outside the country,” Lwinga said.

During the engagement, seven companies—four importers and three exporters were issued with new AEO licences.