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Customs regulations in Zimbabwe
As an entrepreneur in Zimbabwe, it is essential to have an understanding of customs regulation. Companies operating in Zimbabwe are required to register with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) for customs purposes. This registration is mandatory for businesses engaged in importing, exporting, or dealing with goods subject to customs control. The following are customs regulations that businesses need to adhere to:
Customs Duty: The duty is levied on imported goods under the Customs and Excise Act [Chapter 23:02]. However it's also important to note that Zimbabwe holds membership in both the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). Customs duties are charged based on the established general customs tariffs in Zimbabwe. Importers can benefit from preferential duty rates on imports originating from SADC or COMESA countries. Additionally, goods imported from Namibia are exempt from customs duties under the Zimbabwe-Namibia Free Trade Agreement.
Excise Duty: Duty is imposed on specific locally manufactured and imported goods categorised under the Excise Tariff, even if entered under Trade Agreements.
Surtax: The surtax is an additional tax applied on top of existing customs duties or other taxes. In accordance with Section 97 of the Customs & Excise Duty Act, a surtax is imposed on goods imported into or manufactured within Zimbabwe. This surtax is levied at the rate specified in the surtax tariff applicable to the respective goods.
Value Added Tax (VAT): Value Added Tax (VAT) is a consumption-based indirect tax applicable to the supply of taxable goods and services. It is imposed on transactions rather than directly on income or profit, and extends to the importation of goods and services. This is another tax applied to imported & exported goods in Zimbabwe, as per the Value-Added Tax Act [Chapter 23:12].
For further guidance pertaining to customs regulations in Zimbabwe, kindly visit the ZIMRA website:
https://www.zimra.co.zw/11-zimra/about-us/1710-what-zimra-does