Zimra, Buy Zimbabwe step up fight against smuggling

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority has partnered with Buy Zimbabwe to intensify efforts against the smuggling of goods into the country, a practice that continues to threaten local industry.

Authorities have long struggled to curb illegal imports due to porous borders and corruption, with Zimbabwe reportedly losing over US$1 billion annually to smuggling. The losses are said to be hindering the growth of domestically manufactured products.

Elvis Masvaure, Buy Zimbabwe's advocacy officer, said the partnership aims not only to stop smuggling but also to protect the local market from counterfeit products.

"The goal is not only to stop smuggling but also to ensure that the local market is free from counterfeit products," Masvaure said.

Smuggled goods, often sold within the informal sector, have flooded Zimbabwean markets. Weak regulation of these sectors has exacerbated the problem, posing significant health risks to consumers.

Batsirai Chadzingwa, ZIMRA's Commissioner of Customs and Excise, highlighted that everyday consumer goods are among the most commonly smuggled items.

"Fuel, alcohol, energy drinks, footwear, detergents, meat, confectionery, washing powder, clothing, and other general groceries are the goods most frequently smuggled into Zimbabwe," he said.

Authorities say the joint initiative will include enhanced monitoring at entry points and stricter enforcement to safeguard local manufacturers and ensure market integrity.