NEW: Reprieve for car importers

Debra Matabvu

Government has introduced a transitional period to facilitate clearance of vehicles purchased prior to the promulgation of Statutory Instrument 89 of 2021.

The statute prohibits the importation of second-hand cars more than 10-years-old.

In a statement, Industry and Commerce Dr Sekai Nzenza said the transitional period will run from April 22 to May 31 2021 and will apply to vehicles bought on or before April 2 2021.

“Following the promulgation of Statutory Instrument 89 of 2021 on the importation of second-hand cars that are more than more than 10-years-old, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (sic) in collaboration with Zimra has come up with an administrative transitional arrangement to facilitate the clearance and expedite processing of vehicles purchased prior to the gazetting of Statutory Instrument 89 of 2021,” the statement read.

“The administrative arrangement will apply from 22 April to 31 May 2021, by which date all motor vehicles bought on or before 2 April 2021 should have been imported into the country. All clients are hereby directed to contact Zimra for clearance purposes.”