Customs and clearing
Freight and clearing associations in Zambia
Short answer
- Associations named in 2011
- Zaffa, CCFFAAZ and ZCFAA 1
- ZCFAA founded
- 1989, with eight members 2
- ZCFAA chairperson in 2019
- John Mumba 2
- Regional links of ZCFAA
- FIATA and FCFASA 2
- Licensing body
- Zambia Revenue Authority 3
Associations named in published sources
This list is limited to bodies named in sources read for this page. It is not a full register. No official ZRA list of associations was found.
| Association | Short name | What the source says |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia Freight Forwarders' Association 1 | Zaffa 1 | One of three associations behind an online customs course in 2011 1 |
| Customs Clearing Freight Forwarding Agents Association of Zambia 1 | CCFFAAZ 1 | One of three associations behind an online customs course in 2011 1 |
| Zambia Customs and Forwarding Agents Association 1 | ZCFAA 1 | Founded in 1989, registered with FIATA and FCFASA, as reported in 2019 2 |
Zambia Customs and Forwarding Agents Association
Freight News reported on 2 September 2019 that the ZCFAA was founded in 1989 with eight members, who made up about 90% of agents at the time. The article said its members handle an estimated 85% of Zambia's international trade movements and collect an average of 80% of government trade tax revenues. These figures are the association's own as reported, not ZRA data 2.
The same report said the association is registered with the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) and the Federation of Clearing and Forwarding Associations of Southern Africa (FCFASA). Chairperson John Mumba sat on the FCFASA executive board 2.
Training and licensing reform
In July 2011 Freight News reporter Ed Richardson wrote that the three associations had jointly developed an online Advanced Certificate in Customs Clearing. The Zambia Centre for Accountancy Studies managed the course. It had seven modules and started twice a year, in June and December 1. The article named Valerie Sesia as chairperson of the "ZCFFA", a short name that does not match any of the three associations listed 1.
In September 2019 Freight News quoted John Mumba on a project to modernise the training and licensing of clearing and forwarding agents. It was financed through the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation and supported by ZRA. A working group was building the curriculum 4.
Role in regional transit talks
At a COMESA consultation in Zambia on 25 August 2022, COMESA's Acting Secretary General Kipyego Cheluget urged importers, exporters, transporters and clearing and forwarding agencies to adopt the Regional Customs Transit Guarantee. COMESA said national transit bonds had tied up large sums belonging to importers, agents and transporters 5.
What the associations do not do
Associations do not issue licences. ZRA licenses agents under section 182A of the Customs and Excise Act. Changes to a licence go to the Secretariat of the Clearing Agents Committee 3.
Common questions
Do I need to join an association to get a clearing licence in Zambia?
The ZRA licensing page read on 24 October 2026 does not list association membership among the documents for a new licence 3.
Which Zambian association is a FIATA member?
Freight News reported in 2019 that the Zambia Customs and Forwarding Agents Association is registered with FIATA 2.
Who trains clearing agents in Zambia?
In 2011 the Zambia Centre for Accountancy Studies ran an online customs course built by three associations 1.
Rules and charges change. Check the official source linked on this page before you pay or travel. Spotted an error? Email hello@zambiatradesystems.com.
Sources
- Freight News, Ed Richardson: Clearing and forwarding training now available online (22 July 2011)
- Freight News: Forwarding association turns 30 (2 September 2019)
- Zambia Revenue Authority: clearing agents licensing page (undated, read 24 October 2026)
- Freight News: Zambia pioneers online clearing courses (2 September 2019)
- COMESA: Stakeholders Consult on Implementing the Regional Customs Guarantee Scheme in Zambia (25 August 2022)
Related
- Clearing agent licence in Zambia
Who can hold a Zambia Revenue Authority clearing agent licence, the documents, staff qualifications, bond rules and the 2026 regulations.
- Transit cargo and bonds in Zambia
How goods move in transit through Zambia under a clearing agent's bond, the five-day road limit, seals, cargo tracking and the COMESA guarantee talks.
- How customs clearance works in Zambia
Value thresholds, documents, tax rates, pre-registration and agent rules for importing and exporting goods through Zambia Revenue Authority customs.
- Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) customs
What ZRA customs does at Zambia's borders: the 1993 Act, ASYCUDA World, pre-clearance, e-bonds, coordinated border management and the 2025 system upgrade.