The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) and Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) have done away with the one-off waiver previously required to import solar equipment.
The changes made to the importation procedures for solar equipment are intended to make it easier for domestic and non-commercial users to import solar equipment.
In a joint notice to the public, the ERB and ZRA stated that to promote the importation of solar equipment for domestic and non-commercial use, importers are no longer required to get a one-off the waiver from the ERB.
Importers are now simply required to sign a self-declaration form declaring that the equipment being imported is not for commercial purposes.
“This requirement applies to ALL importations of solar equipment for personal use and becomes mandatory effective immediately,” the notice read.
With a disabling power shortage, the government is encouraging citizens to shift to alternative power generation sources, especially solar.
Last month, Cabinet made several policy and regulatory approvals that further reform the energy sector, notably net metering and open access.
It is hoped that with net metering regulations coming into effect, there will be a burst of solar power self-generation among citizens.
These import procedure changes are, therefore, intended to make it easier for people to adopt off-grid solar energy solutions.
