Regularise or face the music, car owners warned

Talent Gore

THE Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has given motorists until December 15 to legalise the importation of their vehicles or face their cars being impounded.

It warned that the police could seize vehicles that had not been properly cleared and registered with the authority, including those that were undervalued or imported without going through ZIMRA.

Penalties on such vehicles could be waived depending on the circumstances, but full unpaid duties would remain payable.

“The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority 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,” said ZIMRA.

“Irregular cases include vehicles that were undervalued, smuggled, imported on temporary importation permit (TIP) and where the permit was procedurally acquired or where a regular permit has expired and where the TIP has expired.

“Also those which would have been 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 that persons in possession of the vehicles with circumstances described are advised to contact their nearest ZIMRA offices not later than December 15 to regularise the clearances of their vehicles.

“Please note that this moratorium ends after 15 December and any irregularly cleared vehicle encountered thereafter will be treated as liable to seizure and possible forfeiture in terms of the Customs and Excise Act.”