Smuggled Goods Will Be Permanently Seized With ‘No Option To Pay Duty’ – Zimbabwe Introduces Automatic Forfeiture

Zimbabwe Ends Duty Option For Smuggled Goods

In a dramatic crackdown, the Zimbabwean government has announced that all smuggled goods will be permanently seized by the state. The new rules mean there is absolutely “no option to pay duty” to reclaim confiscated items, introducing a harsh new era of automatic forfeiture for offenders. This represents a significant escalation in the nation’s fight against smuggling and illegal cross-border trade.

The powerful directive was issued by the Ministry of Finance and mandates an immediate zero-tolerance approach by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA).

Treasury’s Zero-Tolerance Directive

The game-changing order came directly from the Permanent Secretary for Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, George Guvamatanga. His directive, dated 12 November 2025, leaves no room for negotiation for those caught smuggling.

The instruction to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) is clear and uncompromising. It removes the previous system where importers sometimes had the discretion to settle their customs bill and get their goods back.

“Whilst Treasury appreciates the progress made so far on the anti-smuggling campaign, there is a need for the Authority to increase public awareness campaigns on the dangers of smuggling and the consequences thereof,” George Guvamatanga stated.

The directive officially cites Sections 188 and 193 of the Customs and Excise Act. It specifies that when the value of smuggled goods is greater than the payable duty, a permanent seizure must be enforced.

ZIMRA’s Nationwide Enforcement Blitz

The treasury’s hardline position was swiftly backed up by the commissioner general of ZIMRA, Regina Chinamasa. She confirmed the government’s tough new stance in a separate communication, highlighting the legal power behind the crackdown.

She stated, “Enforcement and roadblocks are a mitigation to the noncompliance. Our detection rate is still too high, hence the continued enforcement in collaboration with other government stakeholders.”

Ms Chinamasa defended the agency’s widespread use of roadblocks on major highways. She revealed that ZIMRA officers are deployed on key traffic corridors across the country, even in areas far from official border posts.

She listed major routes like Beitbridge to Bulawayo, Beitbridge to Harare, and Plumtree to Harare. She gave the specific example of Gwanda, confirming it is not a border post but still has a strong ZIMRA presence to catch smugglers after they have left the border. The message is that no major route is safe for those moving illegal goods.

The automatic forfeiture rule now means that anyone caught in these nets faces the total and irreversible loss of their merchandise.