News / Local
Zimra urges public to follow pre-clearance procedures
03 Nov 2023 at 05:38hrs | Views
The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has called on vehicle importers to adhere to pre-clearance procedures for all imported vehicles. Pre-clearance involves completing customs import procedures before the vehicle or traveler arrives at the chosen port of entry. Upon arrival, the goods are only inspected for compliance, reducing the time importers spend at border crossings.
Failure to follow these regulations can result in a penalty fine of $400. Zimra emphasizes that this is not a new requirement but has been in effect since November 1, 2020. It has been noticed that this requirement is not consistently observed, prompting the reminder.
All privately imported motor vehicles, whether driven or transported by carriers, must be pre-cleared before dispatch to Zimbabwe. Pre-clearance involves submitting import documents to ZIMRA for import controls, duty assessment/clearance, and the payment of duties (if applicable) before the vehicle's arrival in Zimbabwe.
Importers or their agents should provide scanned copies of invoices, bills of lading, export documents, proof of payment for the imported vehicle, freight statements, the importer's passport copy, police clearance, letter of rebate (if applicable), and other relevant importation-related documents online. This enables officers to calculate and inform importers of the customs duty payable before the vehicle's arrival.
Carriers and transporters have also been informed of these requirements, and they play a role in ensuring compliance. For private vehicles transiting through Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and entering Zimbabwe through Zambia, pre-clearance is only required when the vehicle reaches the port of Dar es Salaam.
Failure to pre-clear a vehicle as required by law can result in a $400 penalty or its equivalent in Zimbabwean dollars. All imported vehicles are subject to compliance checks and may undergo value verification/valuation before the Customs Clearance Certificate is issued.
Providing false declarations or false information on import-related documents can lead to the seizure of the vehicle and other punitive measures, including possible prosecution.
Failure to follow these regulations can result in a penalty fine of $400. Zimra emphasizes that this is not a new requirement but has been in effect since November 1, 2020. It has been noticed that this requirement is not consistently observed, prompting the reminder.
All privately imported motor vehicles, whether driven or transported by carriers, must be pre-cleared before dispatch to Zimbabwe. Pre-clearance involves submitting import documents to ZIMRA for import controls, duty assessment/clearance, and the payment of duties (if applicable) before the vehicle's arrival in Zimbabwe.
Importers or their agents should provide scanned copies of invoices, bills of lading, export documents, proof of payment for the imported vehicle, freight statements, the importer's passport copy, police clearance, letter of rebate (if applicable), and other relevant importation-related documents online. This enables officers to calculate and inform importers of the customs duty payable before the vehicle's arrival.
Carriers and transporters have also been informed of these requirements, and they play a role in ensuring compliance. For private vehicles transiting through Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and entering Zimbabwe through Zambia, pre-clearance is only required when the vehicle reaches the port of Dar es Salaam.
Failure to pre-clear a vehicle as required by law can result in a $400 penalty or its equivalent in Zimbabwean dollars. All imported vehicles are subject to compliance checks and may undergo value verification/valuation before the Customs Clearance Certificate is issued.
Providing false declarations or false information on import-related documents can lead to the seizure of the vehicle and other punitive measures, including possible prosecution.
Source - The Herald
