Niël Terblanché
Importers, exporters, and the general public in Namibia have been advised to ensure that they conduct business with clearing agents who are in possession of valid licenses for 2024 to avoid any operational disruptions.
This advice followed after the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) announced the suspension of licenses for clearing agents who have not renewed their licenses for the year 2024.
According to the notice issued by the spokesperson of NamRa, Tonateni Shidhudhu, the suspension, that came into effect on Wednesday was performed in accordance with Item 835.00 of Schedule 8 to the Customs and Excise Act, 1998 (Act No. 20 of 1998), which mandates that clearing agent licenses must be renewed annually by the end of each calendar year.
“Clearing agents whose licenses have been suspended have now been given a 30-day grace period, from 14 August to 13 September 2024, to renew their licenses,” he said.
According to Shidhudhu, agents must meet specific requirements to reinstate their licenses during this grace period.
He stated that agents are required to complete the Admission of Guilt Form (NA70) as per section 101 of the Customs and Excise Act, 1998, and pay an N$8 000 penalty fee for non-compliance, as outlined in section 88 of the same Act.
“Additionally, they must complete the Renewal Application Form and pay a Renewal Fee of N$100,” he added.
According to Shidhudhu, payments can be made at any NamRA Customs and Excise Office or through a bank transfer to the provided Bank of Namibia account.
He advised that proof of payment must be sent to the Division: Trade Facilitation and Customs Procedures at NamRA, either via email or hand-delivered to their office in Windhoek.
According to Shidhudhu, NamRA has warned that failure to comply with these requirements by the specified deadline will result in the termination of the clearing agent’s license.
The agency also announced that the renewal period for 2025 licenses will be communicated in due course.
“Clearing agents are also urged to finalize all dormant or uncompleted entries before 31 December 2024 to prepare for the next renewal period,” he said.
