Harare (New Ziana)-The European Union (EU) has taken a step further in normalizing relations with Zimbabwe after it suspended duty on products originating from the country not exceeding EUR6 000 for exporters registered by the bloc’s system.

The EU has been moving to normalise relations with Zimbabwe since 2014 when it lifted sanctions that it had slapped on the Southern African country in 2002 over political differences relating to land reforms.

The bloc had taken sides with the United Kingdom which was against the compulsory acquisition of primary agricultural land from its minority kith and kin for redistribution to the previously marginalised black majority.

The country estimates the sanctions, which the United States still maintains, had cost the economy almost US$100 billion.

In a notice posted in the official journal of the European Union Customs authorities, the bloc said Zimbabwean exporters can now export commodities on ‘preferential’ arrangements.

“This notice is issued for the information of customs authorities’ importers and economic operators which are involved in the imports into the EU of products originating in Zimbabwe under the EU – ESA interim Economic partnership.

“Following a notification made by Zimbabwe to the Customs Cooperation Committee of the EU-ESA iEPA activating Article 18 (3) of protocol 1 to the EU-ESA iEPA from July 1 2021 products originating from Zimbabwe shall on importation into the EU, benefit from preferential tariff treatment of the iEPA upon a submission of an invoice declaration made out, as provided for in Article 23 of Protocol1,” the EU said.

It said qualifying goods shall be from a Zimbabwean exporter registered in the EU’s Registered Exporter system or any Zimbabwean exporter where the total value of the originating products consigned does not exceed EUR6 000.

“Therefore from July 1, 2021, movement certificates EUR1 and invoice declarations made out by approved exporters are no longer valid to claim preferential tariff treatment under the EU – ESA iEPA,” EU said.

Since taking office in 2017, the new Zimbabwean government has sought to re-engage friends and foes alike to open a new page in relations, and end almost two decades of isolation.

Zimbabwe and the EU have since entered into formal dialogue to narrow their differences with a view to normalising relations.

New Ziana