Over 200 imported vehicles stationed at Songwe border in Karonga District are set for auction after their owners failed to clear them.

According to a statement released by Tres Auctioneers and Estate Agents, the appointed auctioneer contracted by the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA), the auction will take place on March 26, 2025.

MRA acting head of corporate affairs, Wilma Chalulu, described the move as normal, stating that Section 39 of the Customs and Excise Act allows the authority to dispose of or sell by auction overstayed motor vehicles and goods.

Economist Sam Chiwawula has backed the decision, blaming importers for failing to prepare for duty payments.

Statistics show that in 2024, Malawi registered over 20,000 new vehicles, with imports reaching $298.1 million in December alone.

This made the country the 166th largest vehicle importer in the world, with most vehicles coming from Japan, South Africa, Thailand, the UK, and Germany.