Customs clearing agents in Namibia have joined forces by establishing the Customs Clearing and Brokers Association (CCBAN).
The association said this is aimed at uniting them and ensuring they have a seat at the table when decisions affecting trade are made.
There are more than 350 registered customs clearing agents country-wide.
They are the link between traders and the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA).
But industry players said they have often been left out of decisions that directly affect their businesses.
The newly established association wants to change that.
CCBAN Secretary Genera Paul Nakhom explained.
“The purpose of establishing the association is basically to provide a platform and representation to all licensed customs clearing agents in Namibia and to give them a voice, a place where and when important policy decisions are made regarding our industry, and to make sure our members are recognised when policy decisions are discussed.”
The association also wants closer cooperation with NamRA and other regulatory agencies, arguing that there is poor communication between agents.
“And then, sometimes, the representative, who is the clearing agent for the business, has to get the two agencies to communicate. This causes delays and, sometimes, the loss of products that are being imported or exported. So, we will try to establish a platform where they can easily communicate with each other.”
Trade facilitation experts believe the association could also help strengthen compliance by supporting both traders and NamRA.
“We truly believe that compliance is a shared responsibility. NamRA alone, with its available resources, cannot do it alone. We are here to lend a helping hand,” said Paul Ndelwa.
The association also plans to address what it describes as unnecessary non-tariff barriers while working with NamRA to resolve problems affecting the current customs management system.
Industry representatives acknowledge that bringing the sector together has not been easy because of different business interests, which is why it took so long to create a united front.
“But with the recent challenges we have seen, and as this issue continues to grow and affect us more, we decided to come together. And what better time than now? We believe that it is never too late to start something. It is never too late to do the right thing,” added Nakhom.
The new association now plans to seek direct representation on government forums and strengthen its partnership with NamRA.