Immigrants Now Allowed To Import Vehicles Over 10 Years Old

Recent government regulations have lifted the ban on importing vehicles older than 10 years for immigrants, granting them the ability to import them under specific conditions. This exemption is part of Statutory Instrument 172 of 2024, officially published by the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Mangaliso Ndlovu, on July 17, 2024.

Earlier this year, in March 2024, the government banned importing vehicles over 10 years old from their date of manufacture. This restriction required individuals importing such vehicles to cover the expenses related to re-exporting them if they did not meet the criteria.

Expansion of Exemptions

However, by July 2024, the government introduced certain exceptions, allowing older vehicles to be imported under exceptional circumstances. These exceptions applied to inherited vehicles, vehicles of returning citizens, and those owned by diplomats. Now, with the recent update, these exemptions have also been extended to cover immigrants.

Duty-Free Import for Qualifying Immigrants

Under the updated regulations, immigrants who meet the specified criteria can import vehicles into Zimbabwe without paying import duty. According to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), qualifying vehicles will be duty-free but still subject to Value Added Tax (VAT).

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older vehicle ban exception — Immigrants exempted from older vehicle import ban-Image Source@X

However, duty will only be applicable if the value of the imported vehicle exceeds US$40,000. In cases where the vehicle’s value exceeds this threshold, duty will only be charged on the portion exceeding the limit.

Conditions for Vehicle Imports by Immigrants

Immigrants who wish to take advantage of this exemption are subject to several conditions:

Each immigrant is allowed to import only one vehicle for personal use. Commercial use of the imported vehicle is prohibited.
The immigrant must have owned the vehicle for at least six months before their arrival in Zimbabwe.
The vehicle should have been fully paid for and in physical existence before the immigrant arrived in Zimbabwe.
The vehicle’s value should not exceed US$40,000 to qualify for the duty exemption.

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Declaration and Undertaking Requirements

Immigrants must also provide a formal declaration affirming that the imported vehicle will only be for their personal use. Additionally, they are required to sign a written undertaking stating that:

The vehicle will not be used for trade or commercial purposes.
The vehicle will not be sold, transferred, or disposed of in any way.
The immigrant must not leave Zimbabwe for more than six months within the first 24 months after their arrival.

Failure to comply with these conditions could result in the seizure of the vehicle or other penalties as stipulated by law.

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