Customs Regulations in Zimbabwe

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

• Inventory (listing serial numbers of electrical appliances)
• Immigrants or returning residents after an absence of two years or more also require:
  • Declaration of Undertaking (Form C38)
  • Passport
  • Residence or Work Permit
• Returning residents after an absence of less than two year also require:
  • Immigrant's Declaration Form
  • Proof of original export

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

• CUSTOMER MUST BE PRESENT AT CUSTOMS CLEARANCE
• Immigrants and returning residents (after absence of two years of more) may be allowed to import used household goods and personal effects duty-free
• All goods must have been in customer's possession prior to arrival
• Goods imported must not be sold or disposed of within 12 months of date of entry

DUTIABLE/RESTRICTED ITEMS

• Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products
  • Persons visiting Zimbabwe and Zimbabwean residents returning to their country, of at least 18 years, may import a maximum of 5 liters of alcoholic drink, of which no more than 2 liters can be spirits.
• New items
• Precious metal
• Antiques and works of art
• Office equipment including computers, typewriters, fax machines, etc.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

• Weapons and ammunition (application to import must be made to the Secretary of Home Affairs)
• Drugs
• Pornographic material
• Citrus fruits, plants and seeds subject to an Import License
• Forged documents and counterfeit money

MOTOR VEHICLES

• Immigrants or returning residents after an absence of two years or more:
  • Each family member over age 18 can import a motor vehicle duty and tax-free if owned by individual member for six months
• If less than six months, all relevant documents will have to be produced to Customs, including import license
• A returning resident absent for less than two years will not usually be allowed duty-free importation
• Autos may not be sold or disposed of within 12 months of importation
• Not more than two vehicles per family
• Documents required:
  • Form C38 (MV)
  • Immigrants Declaration
  • Passport
  • Residence Permit
  • Import License if ownership of vehicle prior to importation is less than six months
• There are no restrictions but front seat safety belts are required by law. The duty on autos is 60%, the tax is 15%, and the surtax is 35%. Duty rates are subject to change at anytime without notice.

PETS

• Subject to import control
• Application to import should be made with the Director of Veterinary Services

USEFUL INFORMATION

Strict currency exchange control regulations apply in Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi. No exports can be made without the approval of the local Reserve Bank. This body approves (or rejects) all applications for foreign currency to spend on shipping and destination services prior to dispatch.