Botswana Unified Revenue Services (BURS) said Wednesday that it has launched an operation targeting grey import car dealerships and and ongoing campaign against money laundering.
Speaking during a press briefing in the capital Gaborone, Acting Commissioner General BURS, Segolo Lekau revealed that results from their risk analysis has shown that some motor dealerships have been undervaluing the costs of the motor vehicles they have on sale.
“By undervaluing these cars, BURS is finding it difficult to collect the required and correct tax and therefore Botswana loses on valuable customs revenue,” he said.
He cited section 96, subsection 5 of the customs Act which states that “All goods intended to be placed under customs shall be covered by a customs declaration appropriate for that particular procedure.”
According to Lekau, measures have been taken to ensure compliance and adherence to this Act; BURS has decided to seize or detain these motor vehicles pending further investigations on the actual value.
KO/as/APA