All Dar port business to go digital next week

 President John Magufuli

DAILY NEWS Reporter

The concerned documents includes Tanzania Single Administrative Document (TANSAD), delivery orders, Bills of Lading, Tax Identification Number (TIN) and VAT Registration Number (VRN), certificates.

The Acting Director, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Department at Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), Mr Kilian Chale told journalists in Dar es Salaam that the agents will not be required to present hard copies during cargo collection at port delivery points.

The ICT expert noted that immediately after obtaining hard copies of all documents from Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), Shipping agent and consignee; Clearing and Forwarding Agents will be required to scan and send the soft copy of the documents by attaching them through Integrated Electronic Payment System (IePS) via www.tpapayments.com

“This is in alignment with the TPA initiatives to increase port efficiency and expediting cargo clearance processes,” he said. Mr Chale said that it is the same IePS account used for TPA invoice payment related information that will be used for online submission of those documents.

The invoice preparation for port charges normally starts immediately after TPA has received relevant supporting documents, followed by internal electronic verification and authentication of the documents in collaboration with other authorities.

“To register with IePS system, all agents should visit TPA revenue offices at Dar es Salaam port where username and password will be issued and used during the log-in process,” Mr. Chale explained.

The Acting Communications Manager at TPA, Ms Janeth Ruzangi said the aim of the new system was to increase the speed of cargo clearing at the port. “We are now operating 24/7, this arrangement will increase efficiency at our port,” she said.

The new e-payment system started being operational on 14th July this year. TPA is strengthening the e-payment system by involving more mobile telephone companies, banks and other providers such as Selcom Wireless and MaxMalipo.

The new system also seeks to implement Big Results Now (BRN), initiative and reduce operational costs.