Zimbabwe Adds 8 Items Including Footwear, Noodles, and Cement Clinker to Controlled Imports List Under SI 59 [Full List]

Zimbabwe Adds Footwear, Noodles, and Cement Clinker to Controlled Imports List Under SI 59

The Zimbabwean Government has expanded its reach over the nation’s borders, adding eight new product categories to the controlled imports list under a sweeping new law that wipes out 16 old trade regulations in one bold stroke.

Among the surprising newcomers now requiring official permission to enter the country are footwear, noodles and related pasta products, and cement clinker—the key ingredient used in cement production. The changes, formalised on April 1, 2026, under Statutory Instrument 59 of 2026, mark one of the most significant overhauls of the country’s trade regulations in years.

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce, which announced the changes from its Harare headquarters at the Mukwati Building, said the move followed months of talks with manufacturers and industry bodies.

‘We Have Listened To Industry’

The Ministry made it clear that the expanded list was no accident but a direct response to what local producers have been demanding.

“Following extensive stakeholder consultations and in line with His Excellency, the President’s directive to enhance the Ease of Doing Business, the Ministry has formally promulgated Statutory Instrument 59 of 2026.”

The new instrument does more than just add new products to the watch list. It also consolidates what was once a confusing patchwork of regulations into a single, unified framework.

“Historically, the regulation of imports and exports was dispersed across 16 separate Statutory Instruments. This fragmented approach often resulted in administrative inefficiencies, confusion among stakeholders, and difficulties in identifying the precise regulations applicable to specific goods.”

All 16 of those previous instruments have now been formally repealed. Officials say the new one-stop framework will reduce compliance costs and lift administrative burdens off businesses that previously struggled to navigate the maze of old rules.

The Full List Of 8 New Controlled Items

Under SI 59 of 2026, the following eight categories have been added to the list of regulated goods:

Water treatment chemicals
Footwear
Noodles and related pasta products
Engineering products
Iron and steel products
Cement clinker
Metal and plastic packaging materials
Paper and printed materials

The Ministry stated that the expansion was designed to serve three key purposes.

“This expansion is designed to protect local industry, ensure consumer safety, and maintain quality standards across critical sectors of the economy.”

The inclusion of noodles and footwear has raised eyebrows among traders, but the Government insists these additions reflect current industrial realities and emerging trends identified during consultations with the manufacturing sector.

How Importers Can Apply

With the new regulations now in effect, the Ministry has moved to make the application process as accessible as possible. Importers seeking permits for any regulated goods are encouraged to use the online application platform accessible via the pfms portal.

For businesses that prefer face-to-face assistance or face challenges with the digital system, the Ministry has rolled out services to provincial offices across the country.

Traders can now seek in-person help at offices in Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, Gweru, Masvingo, Chinhoyi, Bindura, Gwanda, Lupane, and Marondera.

The Ministry has urged all stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the provisions of SI 59 of 2026 without delay.