Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, Zimpapers Writer
THE Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has called upon members of the public, companies, and all entities in possession of improperly cleared motor vehicles to take advantage of a special moratorium period to regularise the status of such vehicles.
In a public notice issued on Sunday, Zimra said the grace period runs from June 23, 2025 to July 31, 2025. During this time, those with irregularly imported or cleared vehicles may approach their nearest Zimra Regional Office for assistance, with penalties and fines to be waived for voluntary disclosures.
“The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) 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,” the statement read.
Zimra outlined a broad range of irregular importation cases eligible for the regularisation exercise. These include vehicles undervalued at the point of entry, vehicles for which applicable duties (such as surtax) were not paid, smuggled vehicles, those imported on Temporary Importation Permits (TIPs) that were either fraudulently acquired or have since expired, and vehicles cleared under false rebate or duty suspension claims.
“Irregular cases include vehicles that were undervalued or did not pay other duty items such as surtax, smuggled, imported on a Temporary Importation Permit (TIP) where the permit was unprocedurally acquired or has expired, 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.
The authority clarified that while penalties and fines would be waived for all who voluntarily come forward within the stipulated period, all outstanding duties, including additional duties and accrued interest, would remain payable.
“Note that penalties/fines will be waived on voluntary disclosures. The full duties, including additional duties assessed and interest on any unpaid duties, will remain due and payable,” said Zimra.
However, Zimra issued a stern warning that after the July 31, 2025 deadline, no leniency would be extended. Any irregularly cleared vehicles found thereafter would be seized and dealt with in terms of the Customs and Excise Act.
“Please note that this moratorium ends on July 31, 2025, and any irregularly cleared vehicles encountered thereafter will be seized and dealt with in terms of the Customs and Excise Act,” Zimra cautioned.
The regularisation drive is part of ongoing efforts to plug revenue leakages, curb smuggling, and reinforce compliance with customs regulations. Zimra has in the past raised concern over rising incidents of vehicle smuggling and misuse of rebate schemes, which deprive the State of significant revenue.
Bongani Ndlovu