adminThupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
The number of imported second-hand vehicles processed at Beitbridge Border Post last year rose to 35 percent compared to 2016. Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) head of communications Mr Canisio Mudzimu said the country’s busiest port cleared 43 316 vehicles compared to 28 031 the previous year. Most of the imported vehicles were from Japan and South Africa.
“We noted an increase in imports of second-hand vehicles through Beitbridge Border Post between 2016 and 2017. During the period under review, we cleared 28 031 vehicles in 2016 and a total of 43 316 last year. In addition, 3 163 motor vehicles were cleared under the immigrant’s rebate in 2017, compared to 2 147 in the previous year,” he said.
The State revenue collector said it has a valuation database that contains values of vehicles imported into the country.
‘’We (Zimra) use various methods when valuing imported motor vehicles in accordance with the provisions of the customs and excise laws,” said Mr Mudzimu. “It should also be noted that Zimra has a valuation database that contains values of all imported motor vehicles.’’
Vehicle imports coming in through Beitbridge are processed at Manica and Malindi transit sheds. The Herald is reliably informed that between 70 and 100 units (of vehicle imports) are processed at the two centres daily. Sources at the border attributed the surge in vehicle imports to price cuts and the opening up of more car dealerships on the South African side of the border.
They said the prices were slashed by almost 30 percent after the dealers noted a decline in sales in recent months. On average, the landed cost of a pre-owned car is about $5 000, depending on the size and capacity.
According to Zimra, among the requirements needed to clear an imported vehicle into the country is a commercial invoice, export bill of entry, and for cars bought in South Africa, there is need for proof that the vehicle in question was de-registered in that country, including a South African registration book and a police clearance certificate.
In recent years, imports through SADC’s busiest inland port had taken a nose dive, with many people reportedly preferring to use less busy ports such as Victoria Falls, Chirundu and Plumtree.
Online Reporter