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To qualify for clearance under the suspension of duty, the vehicle must have been manufactured or assembled not more than 10 years preceding the date of their importation.
This privilege is granted only once every five years.
People who qualify for the privilege
A physically handicapped person: who is blind — if the Commissioner is satisfied that the vehicle is to be used for the benefit of that person; or
- with a physical disability that is not temporary — if the vehicle has automatic transmission and additionally, or alternatively, special controls that render it suitable for use by that person, and the Commissioner is satisfied that the vehicle is to be used by that person; or
- with any physical disability that impedes his personal mobility and is not temporary, whether or not the vehicle is of a description referred to above as long as the Commissioner is satisfied that the vehicle is to be used by that person.
How to qualify for the suspension of duty
- Applicant should apply in writing to the Commissioner for a possible grant of a suspension of duty for the physically handicapped, stating the disability and also justifying the need for that particular vehicle.
- Pro-forma invoices for the vehicle intended for importation should be attached and such invoice should clearly state year of manufacture, engine and chassis numbers and the cost of the vehicle.
- The doctor’s letter stating the nature and degree of disability should be attached.
- Application can be posted or submitted to any nearest ZIMRA office.
- Applicant will then be invited to an interview at ZIMRA to ascertain the correctness of the application and other submitted documents.
- If the application is approved, the applicant will be issued with a letter granting the suspension of customs duty and surtax only and such letter should be attached when the vehicle is finally imported.
- If suspension of duty is not granted, the applicant will have to pay duty and Value Added Tax (VAT) when the vehicle is finally imported.
Conditions under which duty shall be suspended
- The vehicle should fall under the tariff headings or subheadings referred to above.
- The vehicle is not more than 10 years from the date of manufacture.
- The vehicle is imported after five years from the date of previous importation in the case of recurrent importations.
What does suspension of duty mean?
Suspension of duty means that only customs duty and surtax will not be paid. VAT will be payable at a rate of 15 percent based on the value of the vehicle plus freight, insurance and any other charges incurred before delivery of vehicle to Zimbabwe.
Disposal conditions
A motor vehicle on which duty has been suspended shall not be disposed of by the importer within five years of its importation unless:
- the Commissioner has given written permission for its disposal, and
- the suspended duty has been paid.
Article submitted by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority. To contact us: Visit our website: www. zimra.co.zw, Follow us on Twitter: @Zimra-11, Like us on Facebook: www.facebook. com/ ZIMRA.11. Send us an e-mail: [email protected] Call us (Head Office): 04 -758891/5; 790813; 790814; 781345; 751624; 752731; 798879. Subscribe to our Newsletter: Send in a blank e-mail to [email protected]
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