Mozambique launches electronic system for tracking goods in transit in the country

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Mozambique launches electronic system for tracking goods in transit in the country

4:52 CAT | 14 Dec 2020

File photo: Twitter / @MECTS1

A new service, called the In-Transit Electronic Sealing and Cargo Tracking System (SEERC), will be launched by the Mozambican government’s Tax Authority next week, with the aim of eliminating the diversion to the domestic market of goods in transit.

In the pilot phase, the service will operate in the three main national freight transit corridors: the Maputo Corridor, Beira Corridor and Nacala Corridor.

It is estimated that more than 67 billion meticais, corresponding to an average of 10.5% of the country’s annual GDP, were lost to the state as a result of weaknesses in the control of goods in transit in the last five years.

Mozambique is particularly exposed to the diversion of cargo in transit as it connects hinterland countries such as Eswatini, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

SEERC will ensure the electronic sealing and tracking of cargo in transit through a GPS/GPRS system using state-of-the-art technology to guarantees electronic sealing, tracking and action by the authorities in the event of attempted theft or diversion of goods.

According to a statement sent to Carta de Moçambique, the system includes cargo sealing, monitoring during transport through a 24-hour command centre, and intervention by the mobile Customs teams in the event of any illegality.

Surveillance cameras pertaining to the system have been installed at the Ressano, Namaacha, Goba, Machipanda, Calomue, Zóbuè, Cassacatiza and Milange entry-exit points.

SEERC also has the capacity to seal containerised cargo, bulk cargo and fuel transported in tanks, both by road and by rail.

The system will also make it possible to reduce theft of goods, which has often been the cause of serious incidents causing loss of human life as well as material and financial damage, as occurred during the Capirizange tragedy in Tete province, when a group of people caused the explosion of a tanker truck while attempting to remove fuel for later sale on the informal market.

In addition to increasing revenue to the state, the service will provide greater protection and competitiveness to the national business community and increase the competitiveness of Mozambique as a regional corridor by reducing transaction costs and risks, as well as transit time.

The service will be operated through a concession signed in 2019 between the Tax Authority of Mozambique and the consortium MECTS – Mozambique Electronic Cargo Tracking Services, selected by international public tender.

We are getting closer every day, Stay tuned!

Moving Smart, living in the future. pic.twitter.com/5SxlKqqn7b

— Mozambique Electronic Cargo Tracking Services (@MECTS1) December 4, 2020

A MECTS está cada dia mais próxima do lançamento oficial de suas operações

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MECTS is getting closer every day to the official launch of operations.

The future is now!

Moving smart living in the future! pic.twitter.com/hQ98uAdhK3

— Mozambique Electronic Cargo Tracking Services (@MECTS1) June 16, 2020