In an exclusive interview with O PAÍS, the Head of the Tariffs and Trade Department of the Customs Services Directorate of the General Tax Administration (AGT), Ângelo Silva (AS), spoke about the advances towards the objective of modernizing and dematerializing services, highlighting the innovation carried out by the entity with services such as Tax Compliance Certificate, Authorized Economic Operator Certificate and Customs Tax Litigation
AGT has been modernizing its services. How do you see this innovation?
The modernization plan is part of the General Tax Administration (AGT) strategy. See that this year we launched services such as a customs simulator, where taxpayers can consult and get an idea of how much tax they should pay when importing goods, the electronic questionnaire (E-query), the certificate of conformity, tax litigation customs, as well as other electronic services, such as the electronic platform for merchandise auctions, are already in operation. The services we are implementing allow for greater logistical and operational facilities in customs matters and are today an essential tool for attracting investment and can lead to a significant reduction in the time it takes to clear goods through customs.
It is an effort, but there are many Angolans who do not have access to the internet and cannot benefit. How does AGT view this detail?
We know that there are still many Angolans who do not have access to the internet, and we are sensitive to this reality, because, despite the existence of these electronic services, we continue to have tax offices and customs offices throughout the country where any taxpayer can go. to provide the service you want.
How is AGT doing in terms of tax benefits in the customs sector?
Tax benefits in the customs sector are closely associated with the prospect of exemptions on goods with the aim of leveraging or contributing to the increase in national production. Machinery, raw materials, goods and equipment linked to the fishing, agriculture and other areas involved in national production are free from import duties. The main objective is, in fact, to boost the productive sector in such a way that national production continues to grow.
Like this? Can you explain better?
Of the 5,638 codes that make up the customs tariff, we currently have 2,426 tariff codes with free tariffs. That is, all goods that fall within these tariff codes are exempt from paying import tax or also known as Import duties. We are talking about almost 50%.
What sector are these codes from?
Several. Most of the goods linked to the production sector are free from paying import duties.
They pay absolutely nothing, is that it?
The only charge is the payment of a service fee as general fees. On the other hand, the legislation also provides for customs tax benefits, which are granted under investment projects that incorporate goods, such as, for example, production units located in the ZEE.
BY: Ladislau Francisco
