The Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) and the Eswatini Television Authority (ESTVA) has signed a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that links ERS’s border-management technology with ESTVA’s broadcasting-sector oversight.
The agreement mandates the application of border regulatory controls on all television-signal devices imported into Eswatini, with ERS Customs officers applying data-driven risk filters and physical inspections while ESTVA verifies that each shipment meets the authorised quantity and technical standards.
It also establishes a seamless digital permit workflow in which television dealers wishing to import, export and transit their products will have to apply online through the ERS customs-clearance system.
This will enable both agencies to share data and ensure that permits cannot be used beyond the approved quota and that declared information matches the actual imported goods.
ERS Commissioner General, Brightwell Nkambule said the partnership was a practical enabler of the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC) strategy to make importing and exporting goods more efficient.
Request
“When a retailer submits a permit request online, automated risk filters ensure the application stays within quota and that the product codes match the shipment. That precision reduces delays, protects honest traders and ultimately, fuels economic growth,” he said.
ESTVA Chief Executive Officer Mlamuli Dlamini said by integrating the licence database with ERS border controls, they were levelling the playing field in TV-licence compliance.
He emphasised that the partnership would help ESTVA move the needle on licence payments, reduce the burden on government and taxpayers by lowering the subvention they receive and boost the revenue they generate themselves.
“This collaboration will go a long way towards easing compliance,” he said.
ESTVA Head of Legal, Luke Shongwe said phase one of the partnership would focus on monitoring the importation, exportation and transiting of television devices entering the country and ensuring compliance of these devices
Shongwe said phase two would focus on streamlining licence renewals for existing owners.
As part of implementing this partnership, ERS and ESTVA would roll out an intensive public-awareness campaign to guide importers, retailers and consumers on the new procedures and how to stay compliant.
