Companhia Industrial da Matola (CIM) contested on Wednesday, 14 October, the suspension of its rice and wheat imports in Mozambique, stating that it has initiated proceedings before the Administrative Court to challenge measures taken by the Mozambique Cereals Institute (ICM).
The ban, in effect since 13 October for an indefinite period, also affects África Indústria and Pembe Mozambique. In its statement, ICM accuses the three companies of repeated imports made without its authorisation, in breach of the procedures governing the entry of these cereals into the country.
CIM states that it was neither notified in advance of the alleged offences nor heard before the sanction was imposed, according to its statement reported by O País and Miramar. It also contests the import rules invoked by the institute and maintains that the institute had already been notified of the legal proceedings.
ICM announces the seizure of 34,300 tonnes of cereals from the three operators. This total includes 3,300 tonnes of wheat from CIM, 6,000 tonnes of wheat from Pembe and 25,000 tonnes of rice from África Indústria. CIM rejects the claim that its cargo, unloaded at the port of Matola, was irregular, arguing that it held customs authorisation.
The companies may nevertheless purchase raw materials on the Mozambican market, ICM points out, presenting this option as a way to maintain industrial activity and supply.
The institute makes lifting the suspension conditional on regularising the operations. It indicates that the seized goods could revert to the State if the companies fail to regularise their situation within the prescribed time limits.