Source: Heavy penalties for violating this season tobacco selling regulations – herald
Online Reporter
The Tobacco Industries and Marketing Board (TIMB) has introduced stricter penalties and a biometric grower management system to enhance accountability, in a development that will also see stakeholders being fined heavily for transgressions.
The fines for side marketing—a practice where tobacco is sold outside contracted channels—have been more than doubled.
Farmers caught facilitating side marketing will now pay US$50 per bale, up from US$20. Merchants found purchasing side-marketed tobacco face a fine of US$200 per bale, double the previous penalty.
Individuals operating illegal buying points, commonly known as “Makoronyera,” will be liable for fines of up to US$2,000.
Reinforcing regulatory compliance, TIMB confirmed that 48 contractors have been licensed for the season, including one specialising in shisha tobacco.
However, five contracting firms have been barred from participating after failing to secure licenses.
The affected companies—Inter Africa, Leaf Exchange Africa, Voedsel, Moroz Tobacco Company and Tobacco Company of Zimbabwe—have been linked to various irregularities, including contract disputes and delayed payments.
Stakeholders across the value chain expressed confidence in the industry’s readiness.
Premier Tobacco Auction Floors Executive Director Mr. Owen Murumbi welcomed the new payment timelines.
“We are anticipating a good season with farmers expected to get their money on time,” he said.
TSF general manager, Mr Kennedy Zimunya, confirmed the efficiency drive, saying, “Last year, we achieved payments within one hour. This year, we are targeting to improve that to 30 minutes.”
COMMENTS