The Confederation of Economic Associations of Mozambique (CTA) has called on the Government to abolish the Pre-shipment Conformity Assessment Program (PAC), arguing that the mechanism delays customs clearance and increases costs for businesses and consumers.
Álvaro Massingue, president of the CTA, stated: “The CTA’s position regarding the PAC is that the Government should repeal this law, which harms consumers and especially businesses,” following a meeting with the Tax Authority (AT).
According to Massingue, the obligation of pre-shipment verification and certification leads to excessive timeframes and additional costs, causing delays in the arrival of essential goods to the national market. The CTA argues that abolishing this requirement would accelerate the flow of goods through ports and border posts, thereby boosting the competitiveness of the private sector.
During the meeting with the AT, both parties also discussed improving tax policy, aiming to simplify procedures and align fiscal instruments with the realities faced by companies. At the same time, the CTA is preparing proposals to revise the local content law, which regulates the provision of goods and services in the extractive industry, in hopes of contributing to a more investment-friendly legal framework.
The PAC, in effect since 2023, is intended to ensure that imported products meet national, regional, and international quality, safety, and technical standards before shipment. However, business representatives argue that the program is flawed and should be repealed to foster economic development and better meet consumer needs.
Source: Lusa
