Tag / Lesotho Revenue Authority

by Mike Poverello

Lesotho Revenue Authority to acquire two AS&E ZBV Mobile Screening Systems

AS&E's Cargo and vehicle screening system deployed in 55 countries

AS&E’s Cargo and vehicle screening system deployed in 55 countries

American Science and Engineering, Inc. (“AS&E”), has announced the receipt of an order for two ZBV® mobile screening systems from a new international customer, the Kingdom of Lesotho. The ZBV systems will screen vehicles and cargo for threats and trade fraud on its border with South Africa to facilitate trade and counter smuggling.

The Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA) has launched a Customs Modernization Program aimed at simplifying border procedures while speeding up the inspection process. The ZBV systems, with its safe and effective technology, ease-of-use, and high-throughput capability will greatly support this initiative.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to support the LRA in its Customs Modernization Program and to help secure the Kingdom of Lesotho,” said Chuck Dougherty, AS&E’s president and CEO. “The ZBV system has been proven effective for anti-smuggling programs, with one customer recently reporting a 54% increase in tobacco seizuresi in a four month period. With the ZBV system’s outstanding field reports, we continue to add new countries to our installed base in key geographic markets and expand our market penetration of Z Backscatter® technology in Africa.”

LRA spokesperson Mr. Pheello Mphana says, “The LRA is pleased to acquire this advanced technology to support our modernization process. Following our detailed examination of non-intrusive inspection systems, the ZBV provides the optimum solution to deploy on our borders to facilitate trade by reducing inspection delays and the cost of compliance, improve border control and detect illicit cross-border movement.”

The highly mobile ZBV® system screening system allows for immediate deployment and rapid inspection to reveal explosives, drugs, currency, alcohol, cigarettes and other organic threats or contraband. With over 730 systems sold to date, AS&E’s ZBV system is used by leading government agencies, border authorities, law enforcement, military organizations, and security agencies in more than 64 countries. Source: AS&E

by Mike Poverello

Lesotho Revenue Authority launches Trade Portal

LRA Trade PortalThe Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA) has undertaken an extensive Customs Modernisation Programme aimed at simplifying the processes and reducing the costs of ‘doing business’ at the border. Earlier this week, the LRA launched the Lesotho Trade Portal as an introduction of the first portion of these reforms which brings a commitment to transparency for all border users on expectations and procedures.  The launch of the portal will be followed by an introduction of simplified border procedures supported by the implementation of modern computerised systems using ASYCUDA World.

The LRA has been reorganising its structure the past year aligning it with organisational strategy, and alongside that as a result of the modernisation, there will be extensive restructuring to promote efficiency and professionalism in customs and across the LRA. Staff members are undergoing extensive training to prepare for the introduction of the new systems.

To facilitate legitimate trade and enhance compliance LRA will introduce risk based controls to enable legitimate trade to pass more freely through the border posts and following the recent pilot project, there will be a full introduction of a ‘Preferred Trader Scheme’ offering additional facilitation benefits to compliant traders.

Through use of modern technology LRA will speed up the inspection process as they will be coordinated and organised from dedicated inspection areas. There will eventually be an introduction of inland clearance to improve service delivery and clearance time.

To protect legitimate trade and reduce market distortion, there will be targeted anti-smuggling activities. This will be for deterrence of illicit and illegal goods as well as to protect the nation from prohibited importation of goods.

The Lesotho Business Partnership Forum has also voiced its unanimous approval of the Lesotho Trade Portal. It believes this milestone represents a major breakthrough in the relationship between business and government. It reveals a level of transparency in procedures and processes which business can only welcome as a sign of a more constructive and open approach to the management of government affairs.

Similarly, the traders and general public will participate in an extensive publicity campaign with announcement in the media as to how to get involved and benefit from the reforms.  A key tool in this process to keep everyone on the loop, will be the News section of Lesotho Trade Portal itself. This will be supported by an extensive communications programme and an education programme targeted at regular border users. Source: Lesotho Revenue Authority