Zimra updates system after facing resistance to old license plate fees

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has updated its systems to reflect the government's recent reduction of fees for new vehicle number plates, following public resistance to the previously charged $500 fee.

The fee cut, along with other related charges, was enacted through Statutory Instrument 10 of 2026, titled Vehicle Registration and Licensing Amendment Regulations, 2026, and gazetted on Monday, January 12, 2026. The new fee for number plates was set at $50.

Importers at the Beitbridge border post initially refused to pay for number plates at the old $500 rate, citing delays in Zimra implementing the new charges. A shipping agent noted, "If it is an upward adjustment, they hasten to implement it… here they are dragging their feet."

Zimra spokesperson Gladman Njanji confirmed that the system updates have now been completed, ensuring that all platforms fully reflect the revised fees. He added that any clients who may have been charged the old fee after the statutory instrument was gazetted would be refunded.

"The Statutory Instrument 10 of 2026 was gazetted on Monday, January 12, 2026. Following its publication, Zimra and relevant stakeholder institutions immediately began the process of aligning operational systems to the new provisions," Njanji said.

He explained that the brief delay was due to system configuration and validation to ensure full compliance with the new regulations. "Where cases are confirmed in which the old fees were applied after January 12, 2026, affected clients will be duly refunded in line with standard procedures," he added.

Njanji emphasized that Zimra is committed to transparency, fairness, and efficient service delivery, and thanked the public for their patience during the transitional period.

This adjustment marks a significant reduction in costs for vehicle owners and importers, addressing previous complaints about the high fees.