daniel chigunwe
Business Writer
Some of the top of the range vehicles that disappear into thin air after temporarily imported into Zimbabwe
An audit by the Auditor General (AG) of Zimbabwe has identified nearly 60 000 vehicles with temporary import permits that have not been acquitted as of December 31, 2023.
The permits, issued electronically and manually, date back as far as 2013 and raise concerns that the vehicles may have been illegally registered locally, the audit report says.
The AG report highlights the discrepancy between the number of temporary import permits issued (40,985 electronic and 19,719 manual) and the unknown status of these vehicles.
It remains unclear whether they have exited the country or have been registered locally without proper documentation.
“The authority had 40 985 electronic temporary importers permits and 19 719 manual TIPs that
were issued on the basis that the vehicles were entering the country temporarily,” said the OAG.
“Some of the entries date back to the year 2013. I could not ascertain whether the vehicles had exited the country or may have been localised as they remained not acquitted as at December 31, 2023. I could also not ascertain the extend of duty payable in case the vehicles were localised.”
The potential extent of unpaid duties on these unaccounted-for vehicles is also unknown.
Analysts calls for further investigation to determine the whereabouts of the vehicles and ensure proper collection of any outstanding customs duties.
Meanwhile, the Government has partially lifted the ban on pre-owned cars above 10 years inherited vehicles from deceased estates, vehicles of returning residents and diplomats returning from postings abroad.
The Government implemented a ban on importing second-hand vehicles exceeding 10 years old early this year.
Bongani Ndlovu