The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) and the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 2 February 2023 in Windhoek. The MoU follows the signing and successful implementation of an agreement between CRAN and the Ministry of Finance: Directorate of Customs and Excise in 2016, to harmonise the implementation of laws governing the importation of telecommunications’ equipment into Namibia.
The new agreement is an expansion of the previous agreement in that the two institutions seek to promote security and facilitate international trade for the harmonisation of customs procedures for international ordinary mail of the Designated Postal Operator. Furthermore, the two institutions intend to collaborate on research and capacity-building initiatives, which are aimed at facilitating the lawful and efficient importation of telecommunications equipment and international ordinary mail.
Additionally, CRAN and NamRA have demonstrated the need to adopt a proactive approach that would foster and improve efficiency, as well as quality of service in trade facilitation matters relating to the conveyance process of handling cross-border mail in the postal sector. This consideration is significant, given the decreasing global mail volumes and the drastic rise in E-commerce and digital transformation around the world because of the Covid-19 pandemic, amongst others.
In a message delivered at the signing ceremony, Emilia Nghikembua, CRAN chief executive officer, stated “the Communications Act (No. 8 of 2009) authorises the Authority to prescribe reasonable standards applicable to imported telecommunications equipment to ensure against harm to electronic telecommunications and networks and protect public health and safety. CRAN and NamRA will coordinate, harmonise and secure the consistent application of the respective laws governing the import, export and/or manufacturing of telecommunications equipment in our country”.
She added that the purpose of Type Approval is to ensure that telecommunications equipment used in Namibia comply with international standards, and that sub-standard equipment which may present health and safety hazards to consumers, and that are incompatible with local networks, are not operated in the country. Furthermore, the Type Approval regulations ensure that the general operating frequency of telecommunications equipment and in particular the radio apparatus are in conformance with the national frequency band plan of Namibia to avoid interference with essential services.
On his part, NamRA Commissioner Sam Shivute described the signing of the MOU as a great opportunity to promote coordination in the importation of telecommunications equipment and collaboration in capacity-building between the two institutions. He said traders are faced with a number of challenges, as they sometimes do not understand the requirements relating to the importation of certain equipment. With this MOU, traders will thus benefit as information will be availed to them.
A working committee will also be established to ensure the implementation of the agreement.
The signing of the MoU between the two institutions is a result of aligned desires which are well-positioned to implement and enforce the provisions of Section 80 of the Communications Act (No. 8 of 2009) and the Type Approval regulations relating to the importation of communications equipment into the Republic of Namibia through various ports of entry.
The MoU will establish a framework on equipment approvals and standards at the various border posts within and around the Republic of Namibia, and set the agenda for interaction and cooperation between the signatories, while being mindful of the respective applicable laws.
It is the responsibility of all importers, vendors, patent owners and equipment manufacturers of telecommunications equipment to obtain a Type Approval certificate before their goods enter the borders of the Republic of Namibia.