Small Scale Importers and MRA reach a consensus.

Small Scale Cross Boarder Business Operators will continue to import and distribute specified excisable products without Tax Stamp through provision of customs tax clearance documents.

This is part of the resolutions that the three parties involved made following a meeting that was held on Wednesday 2nd October 2024 after the small scale importers protested the implementation of Tax Stamps

In a statement issued by Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) signed by both representatives from Ministry of Finance Gracium Kandio, MRA Kondwani Sauti and and business operator’s Chairperson Richard Kampanje confirmed the development.

“The importers will continue to import and supply specified excisable products without Tax Stamps provided they produce valid customs clearance documents to buyers until the challenges are addressed by MRA” reads part of the statement.

Additionally the statement indicated that the Ministry of finance will organise a meeting with ministry of trade and the leadership of Small Scale Cross Boarder Business Operators in due course on the same.

Meanwhile Secretary for the importers Frank Mhango expressed gratitude towards the resolutions though he said they are still looking forward to the ministry of finance and trade meeting to completely iron out the implementation of the tax stamps towards their businesses.

“As it stands we will now start distributing our products to our clients and continue with our businesses and we will be using our tax clearance documents” said Mhango.

On Monday and Tuesday the concerned business operator’s took to the streets in Lilongwe protesting the implementation of the Tax Stamps.