ERS CONCERNED OVER SMUGGLING THROUGH INFORMAL CROSSINGS

EZULWINI – ERS Commissioner General Brightwell Nkambule has sounded the alarm on the rising trend of goods being smuggling goods through informal crossings instead of declring them  at official border points. During the International Customs Day commemoration, the Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) commissioner general noted that this practice undermines Eswatini’s economic stability and disrupts regional trade agreements under the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). “Smuggling deprives the country of critical revenue,” Nkambule stated, highlighting that such practices are driven by individuals and businesses seeking to avoid declaring goods purchased from other countries. The smuggled items range from furniture and vehicles to other high-value goods, creating significant gaps in Eswatini’s customs revenue. The loss of customs revenue has far-reaching implications for Eswatini’s economy.  Customs duties contribute significantly to the national budget, funding essential services such as healthcare, education and infrastructure development. Smuggling erodes this revenue base, placing additional strain on government resources and hindering economic growth.

Influx

Furthermore, the influx of undeclared goods disrupts local industries. For example, smuggled furniture competes unfairly with products made by local manufacturers, jeopardising jobs and reducing the competitiveness of Eswatini’s economy. As a member of SACU, Eswatini relies on the customs revenue-sharing formula, which distributes income collected from imports and exports among member states.

Channels

When goods are smuggled, they bypass official channels, leading to lower recorded trade volumes and diminished revenue for the SACU pool. Nkambule warned that this issue not only affects Eswatini, but also undermines the integrity of SACU’s regional trade framework. The union’s financial sustainability depends on accurate declarations and efficient customs systems. Smuggling distorts trade data, reducing the collective revenue shared among SACU members, including Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa.
The ERS has pledged to strengthen border security and implement advanced customs systems to curb smuggling.

Customs

Nkambule also urged citizens to comply with customs regulations, emphasising that doing so contributes to national development. As Eswatini grapples with the challenge of smuggling, collaboration between SACU member states, increased public awareness and stronger enforcement measures will be key to safeguarding the region’s economic future.
Nkambule expressed appreciation to the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) that support in curbing the smuggling of goods via the informal crossings.

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