The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) launched two new electronic systems, meant to enhance its customs processes and trade transparency.

The Advance Ruling System and Electronic Tariff Solution, both launched in Windhoek, would also position Namibia as an emerging force in customs modernisation, trade facilitation, and ensuring compliance in an increasingly digital world. 

The Advance Ruling System is a tool designed to help businesses anticipate how their goods will be processed under customs law.

It will provide information such as classification, valuation, or origin of goods prior to import or export, reducing risks and enhancing business planning.

"If efficiency is not up to scratch, the country can be disadvantaged at attracting investment; we cannot be competitive if that information is not made available, and now with the launch of the Advance Ruling System, which was manually, it really started working; already from the time it was launched, 360 manual advance rulings were issued," said Commissioner Sam Shivute.

The electronic tariff solution, or e-tariff, is meant to improve efficiencies in business operations.

It enables traders, importers, and exporters to comply with the precise duty calculations by offering tariff codes, legal notes, and duty estimates. 

"The e-tariff system, which is a web-based system, embodies the vision of empowering Namra and Namibia's trade ecosystem with tools that increase transparency, predictability, and efficiency. Such advances are not really technical but transformative, as they bring the potential to accelerate inter-African trade," said UNDP Resident Representative Alka Bhatia.

The two solutions prove beneficial to businesses and to the communities in which they operate.

Both the Advance Ruling System and the e-Tariff are accessible on the NamRA website. 

NamRA's development partners on the two systems are the World Customs Organisation; the UNDP, Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs; and the European Union.