The Mozambique Grain Institute (ICM) has lifted the suspension of África Indústrias’ rice and wheat import operations following the rectification of the irregularities identified, while the ban imposed on Companhia Industrial da Matola (CIM) remains in force.
In a statement released today, the ICM said that África Indústrias is once again authorised to import rice “following the rectification of the irregularities identified in its respective import process”.
Regarding Companhia Industrial da Matola (CIM), the institute said that “the previously announced suspension remains in force until the situations that gave rise to it have been rectified”.
The ICM also reaffirmed that rice and wheat imports must comply with the mechanism established by the regulatory framework currently in force, namely the ministerial decrees governing the importation of these cereals.
The decision comes one week after the institute announced the suspension of the import operations of CIM, África Indústrias and Pembe Mozambique – which has also since been lifted – over alleged irregularities in compliance with the rice and wheat import mechanism introduced this year.
At the time, the ICM said the suspensions had resulted in the seizure of 34,300 tonnes of cereals.
“The measure follows repeated irregular imports carried out without the due authorisation of the ICM, in violation of the legal framework governing the importation of these products,” the institute explained at the time.
The seized products included 3,300 tonnes of wheat attributed to CIM.
ICM challenged the suspension, describing it as “legally inadmissible” and arguing that it had not been notified in advance of any infringement proceedings or given the opportunity to exercise its right of defence.
CIM also maintained that the cargo had complied with all customs procedures required in Mozambique, stating that the competent authorities had expressly authorised the unloading of the wheat and issued the corresponding documentation.
According to the company, the dispute is not related to the legality of the goods, but to the cereal import mechanism established this year.
The company added that it had challenged in court the rules applied by the ICM, arguing that they create an “illegal monopolistic regime”. Proceedings are under way in the administrative courts seeking a declaration that these provisions are null and void.
READ: Mozambique: CIM rejects suspension of grain imports
The institute has justified the centralisation of rice and wheat imports on the grounds that it is necessary to combat alleged over-invoicing practices which, it estimates, cause losses to the State of around US$100 million (€89.1 million) a year.
The mechanism came into force for rice in February and for wheat in May this year, with the stated aim of strengthening controls over imports and the use of foreign currency in the country.
READ: Mozambique Grain Institute suspends CIM, África Indústrias and Pembe from importing rice and wheat
Source: Lusa