200 clearing agents’ licences suspended

The Namibia Revenue Agency (Namra) has suspended the licences of more than 200 clearing agents who failed renew their licences for this year, effective 14 August.

According to a statement issued by Namra spokesperson Tonateni Shidhudhu, the suspension is in line with the Customs and Excise Act which dictates that the validity period for a clearing licence is from 1 January to 31 December annually.

“This means clearing agents must renew licences before the end of each calendar year,” says Shidhudhu, adding that the agents had been warned on several occasions to renew their licences.

Shidhudhu says there are more than 300 registered clearing agents and those affected by the suspension of their licences have been granted a 30-day grace period up to 13 September, to renew their licences.

“However, they cannot work before they renew their licences because the system will block them,” says Shidhudhu, adding that a number of agents had started approaching their nearest Namra offices to sort out the issue.

Shidhudhu says for agents to be reinstated into the system, they have to complete an admission of guilt form and pay a penalty of N$8 000 for non-compliance in terms of the Customs and Excise Act.

“After that, they can then complete a renewal application form and pay a N$100 renewal fee,” says Shidhudhu.

He says clearing agents who do not renew their licences by the set deadline will have their licences terminated.

“All clearing agents are reminded to clear and acquit all dormant or unfinished entries on or before 31 December 2024, in preparation for the renewal period of clearing agent licences for 2025,” he says.

Shidhudhu urges importers, exporters and members of the public to conduct business with clearing agents who are licenced by Namra for 2024, to avoid any disappointments.

– email: matthew@namibian.com.na