INVESTIGATING THE ROLE OF CUSTOMS CLEARANCE PROCESSES IN ENHANCING TRADE FACILITATION AT KATIMA MULILO BORDER POST

This study investigated the role of the customs clearance process on trade facilitation at KatimaMulilo Border Post, Zambia. The study assessed the procedural processes, identified the common causes of clearance delays, and the efficiency of trade facilitation at KatimaMulilo Border. The mixed-method research approach was adopted, utilizing interview guides and questionnaires to collect data from 168 respondents involved in trade and customs activities at KatimaMulilo Border Post. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, ANOVA regression analysis, and symmetric measures were used to analyze the data and test relationships between variables. The findings revealed that while the customs documentation process is moderately clear, other factors such as inadequate infrastructure (mean = 3.50), insufficient staffing (mean = 3.10), inefficient customs processes (mean = 3.07), and poor inter-agency coordination (mean = 2.85) significantly contribute to delays in goods clearance. The chi-square test indicated a significant relationship between the clarity of documentation and clearance time, while the regression analysis showed that infrastructure and procedural inefficiencies are the main drivers of delays. The study found that delays due to inspections were not statistically significant, suggesting that they are not the primary cause of clearance delays. The overall efficiency of the clearance process is perceived as moderate, with a majority of respondents expressing neutrality or suggesting that improvements are necessary. While time reduction and cost lowering are sometimes observed, there is still inconsistency in these outcomes, and trade predictability remains an area for further enhancement. The study concludes that while documentation clarity plays a role in facilitating trade, systemic issues like poor infrastructure and ASYCUDA challenges are more critical factors in delaying clearance times. Based on these findings, recommendations are made to streamline documentation processes, invest in infrastructure improvements, enhance staff capacity through training, improve inter-agency coordination, and leverage technology to reduce clearance times.