Online Reporter
Debra Matabvu, Zimpapers Writer
GOODS worth approximately US$5,5 million were seized in the first half of the year during a nationwide multi-agency operation targeting importers and cross-border transporters involved in smuggling and unethical business practices. The crackdown, coordinated by various Government departments, led to the confiscation of dozens of vehicles — including cross-border buses and haulage trucks — as well as illicit goods such as foodstuffs and second-hand clothing.
According to the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, the operation focused on inspecting commercial and passenger vehicles operating along key trade routes to identify non-compliant importers and transporters. Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube said the initiative is part of broader efforts to safeguard natural resources and curb rampant smuggling.
“Government, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra), is implementing a robust system to curb leakages from unprocessed natural resources and prevent smuggling of goods,” said Professor Ncube.
The anti-smuggling blitz, launched nationwide, resulted in 384 Notices of Seizure being issued for smuggled and unaccustomed goods, while 645 receipts were issued for items held pending duty payment. Revenue collections from seized goods amounted to ZiG129,7 million (US$4,96 million at the official exchange rate) and US$614 851,30, with duties on detained items totalling ZiG89,2 million and US$1,9 million.
The operation also aims to regularise imports by ensuring that all importers pay the appropriate duties and taxes, while addressing domestic tax obligations for both formal and informal traders. Professor Ncube said the initiative protects the public from harmful imports such as unsafe foodstuffs and cosmetics, and shields legitimate businesses from unfair competition caused by counterfeiting and intellectual property violations. It also supports national security and strengthens supply chain integrity.
Presenting the 2025 national budget, Professor Ncube urged the Government to intensify efforts to combat smuggling, particularly of food, beverages, and medical supplies, which he said was undermining the manufacturing sector. He noted that the presence of imported goods retailing below expected prices — considering production, insurance, freight, and duty costs — was indicative of widespread tax evasion.
“High incidences of smuggling undermine initiatives to enhance local production, value chains, and employment creation. Smuggling also creates an uneven playing field between locally produced and legally imported products, undermines Government revenue, promotes illicit activities, and discourages investment,” he said.
Professor Ncube added that smuggling poses a serious threat to public health and safety, as many of the goods — particularly food items, medicines, and alcohol — are not subject to regulatory controls. While drones have recently been introduced at ports of entry to combat smuggling, he said additional complementary measures are needed to stem the flow of illicit goods.
Last year, the Government launched a high-level task force to clamp down on smuggling and unethical business practices. Led by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the task force includes ZIMRA, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), the Consumer Protection Commission, and other law enforcement agencies.
Businesses using parallel market exchange rates or selling counterfeit, underweight, or unlabelled goods are also being targeted. To enforce compliance, 24-hour checkpoints have been established along major highways leading into key cities, and retail outlets are undergoing random inspections.
Traders are required to produce documentation proving the legal importation of their stock, with non-compliance resulting in hefty fines and confiscation of goods.
