Zimbabwe

Importing cars into Zimbabwe is common due to the limited availability of affordable new vehicles within the country. Zimbabwe allows the importation of both new and used vehicles, though restrictions apply concerning the vehicle's age and roadworthiness.

Zimbabwe enforces an age limit on imported vehicles, prohibiting cars older than 10 years from importation, with some exceptions for specialized vehicles. Import duties in Zimbabwe include customs duty, surtax, and Value Added Tax (VAT). The total payable is typically around 96% of the vehicle's CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value. Surtax applies to vehicles older than five years at a rate of 35% of the vehicle's value.

The required documents for importing a car into Zimbabwe include the original Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Certificate of Title, and an import license. Additional documentation includes a roadworthiness certificate (if applicable) and proof of payment for customs duties. It is advisable to use a licensed clearing agent to handle the import process and ensure compliance with all regulations.

The Zimbabwean car market is largely dominated by used vehicles, with Japanese brands like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan being particularly popular due to their reliability and the ease of sourcing spare parts. Sedans, SUVs, and pickup trucks are among the most favored types of vehicles due to Zimbabwe's varied road conditions. Recently, there has been an increasing interest in fuel-efficient and compact cars, especially in urban areas.

Clearing agencies play a crucial role in the vehicle importation process, assisting with customs clearance, documentation, and the transportation of vehicles within Zimbabwe. Below are some notable clearing agencies in the country:

Address: 45 Samora Machel Avenue, Harare. Tel: +263 242 700123. E-mail: info@zimclears.co.zw

Address: 12 Chinhoyi Street, Harare. Tel: +263 242 756890. E-mail: contact@transglobal.co.zw

Since Zimbabwe is a landlocked country, it relies on the ports of neighboring countries for vehicle imports. The primary ports used include the Port of Durban in South Africa and the Port of Beira in Mozambique.

The Port of Durban in South Africa is one of the busiest ports in Africa, serving as a key import hub for Zimbabwe. Vehicles are shipped to Durban and then transported to Zimbabwe via road or rail, passing through border posts such as Beitbridge.

The Port of Beira in Mozambique is another crucial port for Zimbabwe's imports. It offers a shorter transit route for vehicles destined for Zimbabwe's eastern regions. The port is connected to Zimbabwe through the Beira Corridor, facilitating efficient cargo transport.