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*Zimbabwe Loses US$248 Million To Illicit Cigarette Deals*

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The Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) has urged the Finance and Economic Development Ministry to adjust the cigarette tax regime.

This comes amid indications that the country is losing US$248 million annually to illicit cigarette deals owing to a mixed taxing regime that benefits cartels at the expense of industry players.

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Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube recently increased excise duty on cigarettes to 25% + US$5/1000 from 20% + US$5/1000 cigarettes saying it was a regional benchmark and the move will curb illicit flows.

In its latest report, the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) implored Treasury to do away with the ad valorem rate of 25% and remain with the specific rate. It said:

> We request that the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development remove the ad valorem rate of 25% and remain with the specific rate of US$16 per mile of cigarettes.

> The ad valorem component is subject to manipulation and is a huge cost as production increases.

> The estimated fiscal benefit from this proposed move is US$248m per annum based on the current production rate and the prospects of future production once it is removed.

> We also strongly urge the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development to put in place a predictable cigarette excise duty regime.

The Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) also called for the removal of the current mixed excise duty on cigarettes. CZI said:

> CZI recommends that there is a need to migrate from the current mixed excise duty regime for tobacco to a specific excise duty regime, which brings certainty to investors while also maintaining revenue inflows for the government as well as eradicating illicit cigarette markets.

> The current ad valorem excise duty is prone to manipulation by cigarette companies through falsification of ex-factory prices or controlling sales transactions with third parties so that the ex-factory price is lowered to reduce the excise amount.

Meanwhile, ZNCC has called on the government to provide tax relief to the sector as the wider economy recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. | Business Times

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