Zimbabwe eases import rules for basic goods

The Government has introduced a new measure allowing individuals to import selected basic commodities without requiring an import licence once a month, under Statutory Instrument 59 of 2026.

The regulations, published by Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu, permit the importation of specified goods for personal use, provided quantities do not exceed prescribed limits.

The exempted items include cooking oil, sugar, cereals, jam, peanut butter, margarine, laundry bar soap, washing powder, blankets, cotton woven fabric, and body creams or petroleum jellies. Each category is subject to strict quantity restrictions to ensure the provision is used for personal consumption only.

The new policy also provides exemptions from import licence requirements in specific circumstances, including for personal goods belonging to deceased estates, diplomats based abroad, returning residents with immigrant status, and citizens who have lived outside Zimbabwe continuously for at least six months.

The measure is expected to ease access to essential goods, particularly for individuals and returning residents, while maintaining regulatory oversight of imports.