Country profile
Zimbabwe
ZW · ZWEAs of: 6/29/2026Landlocked state / transit corridor hub in southern Africa / mining exporter
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, linked via the North-South, Beira and Trans-Kalahari corridors to the ports of Durban, Beira and Walvis Bay. Road transport dominates, complemented by the National Railways of Zimbabwe. Beitbridge is the key border post. Main exports are gold, platinum, tobacco and lithium. Customs and import VAT (15.5 percent) are handled by ZIMRA through ASYCUDA World; Zimbabwe is a member of SADC, COMESA and AfCFTA.
Overview
Zimbabwe (ISO code: ZW) is a landlocked country in Southern Africa bordering South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Mozambique. It is a presidential republic whose political and economic situation is considered volatile. The climate is mainly subtropical with a pronounced rainy season (November to March) and a dry season. The economy relies on mining (gold, platinum, lithium, nickel), agriculture (tobacco, cotton), manufacturing and services. As a landlocked state, Zimbabwe depends on transit corridors: the North-South corridor via Beitbridge to Durban, the Beira corridor via Forbes/Machipanda to Mozambique, and the Trans-Kalahari route through Botswana to Walvis Bay. The National Railways of Zimbabwe complement the road network. Since April 2024 the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG, currency code ZWG) has been the official local currency, but the US dollar remains the dominant means of payment within a multi-currency system. Customs and import VAT are administered by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) via ASYCUDA World.
Mentioned countries
Glossary terms
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA)Import system
Electronic clearance via ASYCUDA World at ZIMRA; import declaration by Bill of Entry (Form 21), customs value on CIF basis under the Customs and Excise Act (Chapter 23:02).
Export system
Export declaration via ASYCUDA World at ZIMRA; Bill of Entry for exports, separate controls and permits for minerals (gold, platinum, lithium) and tobacco.
Import VAT
- 15,5 percent (since 1.1.2026
- previously 15 percent) under VAT Act Chapter 23:12, levied by ZIMRA on the import value.
Import documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading / air waybill / consignment note (CMR)
- Bill of Entry (Form 21, ASYCUDA World)
- Certificate of origin (SADC / COMESA)
- Import licence for goods subject to permit
Export documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading / consignment note
- Bill of Entry for exports (ASYCUDA World)
- Certificate of origin (SADC / COMESA)
- Export permit for minerals and tobacco
Origin proofs / FTA
Preferential tariffs with proof of origin (Certificate of Origin) under SADC and COMESA as well as bilateral agreements; Zimbabwe is a party to the AfCFTA.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Permit/licence requirements, inter alia for fuels, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and weapons; temporary import restrictions for selected consumer goods by Statutory Instrument.
Export controls & sanctions
No own sanctions regime; the USA ended its country programme in 2024 but sanctions individuals and companies (Global Magnitsky); ZIDERA remains in force.
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (Africa) — General process
Quick operational overview for international shipments to Africa. Documentation, pre-clearance and local clearance steps can vary a lot by destination.
Documents (typical)
- Commercial invoice (description, value, Incoterms)
- Packing list (weights, dimensions, packages)
- HS code / tariff classification
- Proof of origin / preference docs (where relevant)
- Depending on destination/goods: additional permits, inspection or compliance documents
Process (simplified)
- Prepare export (docs, HS code, origin)
- Import clearance in destination country (declaration, possible checks)
- Release and delivery; duties/taxes according to classification and value
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Official links
Note: regional/general sources. Country-specific authority links will be added iteratively.
Trade
Freight Infrastructure & Transport Network
Transport relevance
Cargo airports
- Robert Gabriel Mugabe International (HRE, Harare)
- Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International (BUQ, Bulawayo)
- Victoria Falls International (VFA)
Inland ports & terminals
- Dry port Walvis Bay (Namibia, Zimbabwe concession)
Road corridors & border crossings
- North-South corridor Harare-Beitbridge-Durban/Johannesburg
- Beira corridor Harare-Forbes/Machipanda (Mozambique)
- Chirundu corridor towards Zambia
- Trans-Kalahari via Plumtree-Botswana-Walvis Bay
Rail corridors
- Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Harare
- Harare-Mutare (Beira connection)
- Bulawayo-Victoria Falls (Zambia connection)
- Bulawayo-Plumtree (Botswana/South Africa)
Top trade lanes
- Zimbabwe-South Africa (Beitbridge/Durban)
- Zimbabwe-Mozambique (Beira)
- Zimbabwe-China
- Zimbabwe-UAE
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Landlocked state without its own seaports; strong dependence on corridors via South Africa and Mozambique. Currency instability (ZiG) and foreign exchange shortage; Beitbridge border heavily used.
Seasonal & weather risks
Rainy season November to March with flood risk on roads; dry periods and droughts affect agricultural exports and power supply.
Current logistics notes
Modernisation of the Beitbridge border post completed; rehabilitation of the Beitbridge-Bulawayo and Harare-Mutare rail corridors and expansion of the Walvis Bay connection are underway.
As of: 2026-06-29
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Airports in this country
Latest News
Sources & Data Confidence
Official sources
- zimra.co.zw
- rbz.co.zw
- zimstat.co.zw
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
What import tax applies in Zimbabwe?
Imports are subject to VAT under the VAT Act (Chapter 23:12). The standard rate has been 15.5 percent since 1 January 2026 (previously 15 percent) and is charged by ZIMRA on the import value.
How are imports cleared?
Clearance is handled electronically through ASYCUDA World by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA). A Bill of Entry (Form 21) is lodged, and the customs value is assessed on a CIF basis.
Which trade preferences can Zimbabwe use?
Zimbabwe is a member of SADC and COMESA and a party to the AfCFTA. With a valid certificate of origin, preferential duties apply; bilateral agreements also exist, for example with South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia and Malawi.
How does landlocked Zimbabwe reach seaports?
Zimbabwe uses regional corridors: the North-South corridor via Beitbridge to Durban, the Beira corridor via Forbes/Machipanda to Mozambique, and the Trans-Kalahari route through Botswana to Walvis Bay.
Which border post is the most important?
Beitbridge on the border with South Africa is the busiest crossing in Southern Africa. Following its modernisation, truck clearance times have decreased significantly.
Which currency is used in Zimbabwe?
Since April 2024 the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG, code ZWG) has been the official local currency. Within the multi-currency system, however, the US dollar remains the dominant means of payment; this is to shift gradually towards the ZiG by 2030.
Are there sanctions against Zimbabwe?
In 2024 the United States terminated its country sanctions program and switched to targeted sanctions against individuals and entities (Global Magnitsky). The ZIDERA act remains in force and limits access to international financial institutions.
What does Zimbabwe mainly export and import?
Main exports are gold, platinum, tobacco, nickel and lithium. Imports are dominated by fuels, machinery, vehicles, chemicals and food; the main partners are South Africa, China and the UAE.
Which trade partners are important for Zimbabwe?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Zimbabwe?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
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