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ZIMRA waives fines for undeclared vehicles
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The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has rolled out a special moratorium inviting individuals, companies, and organisations in possession of improperly cleared motor vehicles to regularise their importation status without facing penalties or fines. The grace period, which began on 23 June, will run until 31 July 2025.
In a public notice issued on Sunday, ZIMRA urged all affected parties to approach their nearest ZIMRA Regional Office during the stipulated period to rectify the status of such vehicles. The tax authority stated that while penalties and fines would be waived for those who come forward voluntarily, all outstanding customs duties, including any additional duties and accrued interest, would still be payable.
ZIMRA highlighted that a broad range of irregular vehicle importation scenarios fall under this regularisation exercise. These include vehicles that were undervalued at the point of entry, those that did not pay all applicable duties such as surtax, and vehicles that were smuggled into the country. Also included are vehicles imported using Temporary Importation Permits (TIPs) that were either fraudulently acquired or have since expired, as well as those cleared under false rebate or duty suspension claims.
The authority emphasized that the moratorium presents a rare opportunity for entities to comply with customs laws without the risk of financial penalties, provided they act before the 31 July deadline. However, ZIMRA issued a stern warning that after this deadline, no leniency would be granted. Any improperly cleared vehicles discovered beyond this period would be seized and dealt with in terms of the Customs and Excise Act.
This initiative forms part of ZIMRA's wider efforts to plug revenue leakages, strengthen border control systems, and ensure compliance with import regulations. The authority has repeatedly expressed concern over the rising number of smuggled vehicles and the abuse of rebate schemes, which have deprived the State of significant revenue over the years.
In a public notice issued on Sunday, ZIMRA urged all affected parties to approach their nearest ZIMRA Regional Office during the stipulated period to rectify the status of such vehicles. The tax authority stated that while penalties and fines would be waived for those who come forward voluntarily, all outstanding customs duties, including any additional duties and accrued interest, would still be payable.
The authority emphasized that the moratorium presents a rare opportunity for entities to comply with customs laws without the risk of financial penalties, provided they act before the 31 July deadline. However, ZIMRA issued a stern warning that after this deadline, no leniency would be granted. Any improperly cleared vehicles discovered beyond this period would be seized and dealt with in terms of the Customs and Excise Act.
This initiative forms part of ZIMRA's wider efforts to plug revenue leakages, strengthen border control systems, and ensure compliance with import regulations. The authority has repeatedly expressed concern over the rising number of smuggled vehicles and the abuse of rebate schemes, which have deprived the State of significant revenue over the years.
Source - The Chronicle
