Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe,Zimpapers Business Hub
THE Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has called upon members of the public, companies and all entities in possession of improperly cleared motor vehicles to take advantage of a special moratorium period to regularise the status of such vehicles.
In a public notice on Sunday, ZIMRA said the grace period runs from 23 June 2025 to 31 July 2025, during which time those with irregularly imported or cleared vehicles may approach their nearest ZIMRA Regional Office for assistance with penalties and fines to be waived for voluntary disclosures.
“The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) is hereby inviting the public, companies or such other entities who may be in possession of vehicles not properly cleared through ZIMRA, to approach their nearest ZIMRA Regional Office to regularise the clearance and registration of such vehicles,” read the statement.
ZIMRA outlined a broad range of irregular importation cases eligible for the regularisation exercise.
These include vehicles undervalued at point of entry, vehicles that did not pay applicable duties such as surtax, smuggled vehicles, those imported on Temporary Importation Permits (TIPs) that were either fraudulently acquired or have since expired and vehicles cleared under false rebate or duty suspension claims.
“Irregular cases include vehicles that were undervalued or did not pay other duty items such as surtax, smuggled, imported on Temporary Importation Permit (TIP) and where the permit was unprocedurally acquired or where the Temporary Importation Permit (TIP) has expired, cleared through a false claim to a rebate or suspension of duty or any other violation of the legislation governing the importation of vehicles,” ZIMRA added.
The authority clarified that while penalties and fines would be waived for all who voluntarily come forward within the stipulated period, all outstanding duties, including additional duties and accrued interest, will remain payable.
“Note that penalties/fines will be waived on the voluntary disclosures. The full duties, including additional duties assessed and interest on any unpaid duties will remain due and payable,” said ZIMRA.
However, ZIMRA issued a stern warning that after the 31 July 2025 deadline, no leniency would be extended and any irregularly cleared vehicles found thereafter would be seized and dealt with in terms of the Customs and Excise Act.
“Please note that this moratorium ends on 31 July 2025 and any irregularly cleared vehicles encountered thereafter will be seized and dealt with in terms of the Customs and Excise Act,” ZIMRA cautioned.
The regularisation drive is part of ongoing efforts to plug revenue leakages, curb smuggling and reinforce compliance with customs regulations.
ZIMRA has in the past raised concern over rising incidences of vehicle smuggling and misuse of rebate schemes, which deprive the State of significant revenue.
