ZIMBABWE 

PROHIBITED AND RESTRICTED GOODS

Drugs, Narcotics, Pornographic Materials, Offensive Weapons & Counterfeit money

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

All immigrants are required to be physically present at the customs clearance.

No imported goods may be sold , leased or otherwise disposed of for 24 months from their date of entry, unless customs duties are paid.

The following documents are required for the importation of household goods and personal effects for immigrants or residents returning after two years:

• Immigrant�s declaration
• Form 170 issued in Zimbabwe
• Passport
• Residence or work permit
• Bill of lading or airway bill
• Inventory with serial numbers for electrical appliances
• For returning residents who have been working/studying proof of termination of employment / completion of studies is required

**** All personal effects and household goods must be imported within three months after the returning resident�s time of arrival or after the time the work or resident permit has been granted to an immigrant.

The following documents are required for returning residents after an absence of less than two years:
Immigrant�s declaration

• Form 170
• Proof of original export
• Inventory
• Invoice/receipts of goods being imported since the goods will be paying duty .
• Bill of lading or airway bill

• Certified copy of the will
• Statement of the value of the goods by the executor of the estate
  
• Written undertaking not to sell or dispose of the goods by the executor of the estate
  
• Copy of the death certificate
  
• Inventory list
  
• Bill of lading or airway Bill

• For diplomatic shipments, a diplomatic card or letter of identity from the embassy or organization is required. All documents, duly completed and signed by the diplomat must be submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and then Customs for final clearance
• Diplomatic shipments must be imported within six months after the time of the diplomat�s arrival
  

For immigrants or residents returning after an absence of not less than two years, the following documents are required:

• Form 171 (MV) for motor vehicles issued in Zimbabwe
• Immigrant�s declaration
• Passport
• Residence/work permit
• Invoice and proof of ownership are required for all vehicles.

Each member of the family over the age of 18 years can import a motor vehicle free
of duty and tax, provided the vehicle was in physical existence and fully paid for by the importer before his/her entry into Zimbabwe.

A returning resident absent for less than two years will not ordinarily be allowed duty
free importation, but there are special provisions that may be made, depending on the circumstances.

Motor vehicles, like household goods, may not be leased or disposed of in any way, within 24 months of customs clearance, without the prior approval of the Controller of Customs.

One will have to pay duty and import tax on any motor vehicle acquired from
outside Zimbabwe subsequent to one�s arrival into Zimbabwe. This duty can be very
high and one should first check with the Department of Customs and Excise to find out exactly how much will have to be paid.

PETS

Pets are subject to import control. Applications should be made to 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, which body approves (or rejects) all applications for foreign currency to spend on shipping and destination services prior to dispatch. It is similarly difficult to arrange payment from Zimbabwe of changes for imports and all agents must contact us prior to dispatching a C.O.D job.

Citrus fruits, seeds, and deciduous plants may not be imported unless an import licence has been obtained in advance from the competent agricultural authorities.

Alcoholic beverages may be imported into Zimbabwe by persons visiting, or returning residents. Those 18 years or older may import up to a maximum of 5 litres of alcoholic drink, of which not more than 2 litres may be spirits.

Firearms may be imported with a special permit from the Secretary of Home Affairs.

For precious metal jewelry, customs duty may be required to be deposited.

For new furniture and household goods, freight charges apply, and invoices are required.

For inheritances, no duties are payable provided the following documents are presented:

• Copy of the will
• Death certificate
• Letter from the executor
• For a wedding trousseaux, freight charges apply and invoices are needed.
• Customs will assess the value of accompanied luggage , and if the value exceeds USD250.00 , duty is payable on the excess.
• For unaccompanied luggage, customs will need proof that the consignment is owned by the declarant, or customs will charge import duty on the full value.

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

NEW IMMIGRANTS AND RESIDENTS RETURNING AFTER AN ABSENCE OF OVER 12 YEARS

An immigrant is defined as a person who enters Zimbabwe to take up employment or permanent residence in Zimbabwe. All immigrants must be in possession of a valid residence permit or work permit.

A returning resident is defined as a person who previously held residence in Zimbabwe and has been out of the country but still qualifies for Right of Residence to Zimbabwe.

A rebate of customs duty may be granted to a new immigrant or returning resident who has returned after a 2 year absence, in respect of personal and household effects and other goods being imported, including one car OR motorcycle per adult member of the family, provided that customs are satisfied with the immigrants proof of ownership of the goods prior to importation.

UK citizens to Zimbabwe are required to obtain a visa prior to coming to Zimbabwe.

All immigrants are required to ATTEND PERSONALLY TO THE CLEARANCE of their effects etc. through customs, although GLENS staff will assist with the preparation of documents on the immigrant's arrival in Zimbabwe. The Form 170 in respect of household effects and Form 171 for motor vehicles are documents required to be completed for customs. No goods imported by an immigrant may be sold or otherwise disposed of within 24 months of their date of entry, unless custom duty is paid.

No business machines may be imported under immigrants duty rebate.

All serial numbers of electrical goods to be recorded on documentation.

Returning residents, if returning after an absence of less than 2 years, may only claim a rebate of duty on personal and household effects, other goods and motor vehicles for which they can furnish proof of original export from Zimbabwe. Full duty is payable on all goods imported by a returning resident for which no original proof of export can be produced.

FOREIGN DIPLOMATS

A diplomat is defined as being any person of any organisation designated by the Zimbabwean Minister of Foreign Affairs. All diplomats must be in possession of a Zimbabwean Diplomatic Identity Card. A rebate or remission of all customs duties shall be granted to all diplomats in respect of any goods imported by them, provided the goods are for the official use of the diplomat's mission or for the private use of him and his family. Zimbabwe customs form C151 (for motor vehicles) and C152 for other goods have to be completed by all diplomats and presented to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Your T.I.M.N. Agent will assist in the customs clearance.

PLEASE NOTE: Customs regulations and requirements; applicable duties, taxes and other Government fees levied against the owner�s effects are subject to change without notice. Every effort is made to maintain current country by country customs information; however, due to constantly changing conditions, we recommend you contact the country�s nearest consulate office for the most current information.

Important: This information is intended for general guidance and all T.I.M.N. members are entitled to reproduce this information and any contributions are welcomed.  T.I.M.N. cannot however take responsibility for any errors or omissions or for any loss or damage that may occur from its use.  As such it is advisable to contact the nearest customs office for Zimbabwe for full and current information prior to importation.