Do I need a licence to import goods into Zimbabwe?

You need to be registered with ZIMRA as an importer and have a valid tax clearance certificate. Certain goods (pharmaceuticals, food, chemicals, firearms) require specific import permits from the relevant regulatory authority. General goods can be imported by any registered company.

What customs duties apply to imports in Zimbabwe?

Zimbabwe customs duties vary by product category, typically ranging from 0-40%. VAT at 15% applies to most imports. Duty-free access is available under SADC and COMESA trade agreements for goods originating in member states.

How do I register as an exporter in Zimbabwe?

Register your company with ZIMRA for customs purposes. Obtain a tax clearance certificate. For certain products (minerals, agricultural produce), you need export permits from the relevant ministry. Register with ZimTrade for export promotion and market access support.

What are the export incentives in Zimbabwe?

Exporters benefit from duty drawback on imported inputs, export processing zone tax incentives, retention of a portion of export earnings in foreign currency, and various government support programmes through ZimTrade and ZIDA.

Zimbabwe Import/Export Licence — Requirements & Process

Import and Export in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is a member of SADC (Southern African Development Community) and COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa), giving businesses access to preferential trade agreements across the region. Understanding customs requirements, duty structures, and documentation is essential for any business involved in international trade.

Importing into Zimbabwe

Registration Requirements

Registered company with the Companies Office
ZIMRA customs registration (Business Partner Number)
Valid ZIMRA tax clearance certificate
Business bank account with foreign currency capability

Import Documentation

Bill of Entry (Form 21) — Customs declaration form for all imports
Commercial invoice — From the supplier showing value, quantity, and description
Bill of lading/airway bill — Shipping document from the carrier
Packing list — Detailed list of items in each package
Certificate of origin — Required for preferential duty rates under SADC/COMESA
Import permit — Required for restricted goods (pharmaceuticals, food, chemicals)
Forex form — For payments exceeding specified thresholds

Customs Duties

Product Category	Duty Rate	Notes
Raw materials	0 – 5%	Low/zero duty to support manufacturing
Capital equipment	0 – 15%	Rebates available for approved investments
Consumer goods	15 – 40%	Higher duties to protect local producers
Motor vehicles	25 – 60%	Age-based surcharges apply
Alcohol and tobacco	40%+ excise	Excise duty on top of customs duty
SADC/COMESA origin	0% (preferential)	Must have valid certificate of origin

Exporting from Zimbabwe

Export Registration

ZIMRA customs registration
Tax clearance certificate
ZimTrade membership (recommended for export promotion)
Sector-specific export permits where required

Major Export Products

Tobacco — Zimbabwe’s largest agricultural export
Gold and minerals — Must be sold through Fidelity Printers (gold) or approved channels
Horticulture — Flowers, fruit, and vegetables to Europe and regional markets
Chrome and ferrochrome — Major industrial export
Cotton and textiles — Growing export sector

Export Incentives

Foreign currency retention — Exporters retain a specified percentage of export earnings in foreign currency
Duty drawback — Refund of customs duty paid on imported inputs used in exported goods
Export processing zones — Tax benefits for businesses that export 80%+ of production
ZimTrade support — Market research, trade missions, and buyer matching services

SADC/COMESA Advantage: Goods originating in Zimbabwe can enter SADC and COMESA markets at preferential (often zero) duty rates. Obtain a Certificate of Origin from ZIMRA or the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce to take advantage of these agreements.

Customs Clearing Process

Engage a licensed customs clearing agent (recommended for first-time importers)
Submit the Bill of Entry and supporting documents to ZIMRA
ZIMRA assesses duties and taxes payable
Pay the assessed duties and VAT
Goods are released from customs
Collect goods from the port of entry or bonded warehouse

Prohibited and Restricted Goods: Certain goods are prohibited from import/export (narcotics, endangered species products, counterfeit goods). Others are restricted and require special permits (firearms, pharmaceuticals, agricultural chemicals). Check ZIMRA regulations before importing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a licence to import goods?

You need ZIMRA customs registration and a tax clearance certificate. Certain goods require specific import permits from regulatory authorities.

What customs duties apply?

0–40% depending on product. VAT at 15% on most imports. SADC/COMESA origin goods can enter duty-free with a certificate of origin.

How do I register as an exporter?

What export incentives are available?

Foreign currency retention, duty drawback on imported inputs, export processing zone tax benefits, and ZimTrade support.