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.

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.

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.

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.

Beitbridge on the border with South Africa is the busiest crossing in Southern Africa. Following its modernisation, truck clearance times have decreased significantly.

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.

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.

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.

This page links to important partner countries (based on import/export partners) for quick context.

• ZA
• CN
• AE
• IN
• SG
• BE

For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:

• Incoterms
• AWB (Air Waybill)
• Bill of Lading (B/L)
• HS Code
• UN/LOCODE