Regulations for Importing Japanese
Used Cars to Zimbabwe

Considering importing a car from Japan to Zimbabwe? Understand the essential rules, duties, and required documentation to ensure a smooth import process

Key Import Guidelines

Vehicle Age Restrictions

Cars can be up to 10 years old on arrival, counted from the month they were built.

Steering Position

Both right-hand drive and left-hand drive cars are accepted.

Vehicles Accepted

Only passenger cars are offered from Japan auctions.

Shipping and Port Details

Primary Ports: Durban and Walvis Bay Seaport

Shipping Method

RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)

Duties and Taxes

Duties and taxes are worked out on the CIF value, which is the car's price plus sea freight. Customs duty is 25% of the CIF value for cars with engines of 1,500 cc or less and 40% for cars with engines over 1,500 cc. Cars over 5 years old pay a surtax of 35% of the CIF value. VAT is 15% of the CIF value plus customs duty and surtax.

Required Documents for Customs Clearance

Registration Certificate (Country of Origin)

Confirms car registration status

Export Certificate

Issued by Japanese authorities, required for customs

Original Invoice

Provided by Carbarn.

Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate

Mandatory pre-shipment condition appraisal by the approved inspection body.

Bill of Lading

Issued by the shipping company detailing shipment specifics

Condition Report

Detailed description of vehicle condition, including exterior, interior, and mechanical status

Key Import Guidelines:

Vehicle Age Restrictions: A maximum vehicle age of 10 years from the date of manufacture is in effect. An import license from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce is required for vehicles older than 10 years.
Trucks: Commercial vehicles, including haulage trucks, tractors, and other specialized vehicles used in mining and construction, are exempt from age restrictions.
Steering Position: Both Right-Hand Drive (RHD) and Left-Hand Drive (LHD) vehicles are allowed for import into Zimbabwe.
Mandatory Inspection: Vehicles must undergo a compulsory pre-shipment inspection for roadworthiness. Since June 2022, the Zimbabwean Ministry of Industry and Commerce has appointed EAA (East Africa Automobile Services) as an accredited inspection company for a Pre-shipment Verification of Conformity (PVoC) program. A certificate from EAA is required upon arrival at the Zimbabwean border. EAA is a well-known company that performs these pre-shipment inspections and has a working relationship with EAA. A pre-shipment inspection certificate from an accredited body is crucial to avoid penalties.

Shipping Information:

Destination Port: The primary port of entry is Durban Port, South Africa, followed by overland transport to Zimbabwe.
Primary Shipping Method: RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) is the most common method.

Primary Documentation Required:

Tax Invoice
Bill of Lading
Freight Invoice
Road Manifest (usually provided by a clearing agent)
EAA Certificate of Conformity
Passport and Residence Permit (if applicable)
Registration book (for used vehicles)

Duties and Taxes Calculation:

Customs Duty and VAT are calculated based on the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value. This value includes the following:

Purchase Invoice
Bill of Lading
Insurance statement
Port charges (e.g., Durban)
Storage charges
Customs clearance charges
Freight charges to the Zimbabwe border

Tax Rates:

Customs Duty: This ranges from 25% to 40% of the CIF value, depending on the vehicle's engine size and type.
Import Duty: The standard import duty is typically around 20% for most vehicles.
Value Added Tax (VAT): A standard 15% VAT is applied to the total of the CIF value, customs duty, and any other applicable taxes.
Surtax: A 25% surtax is imposed on vehicles older than 5 years, based on the CIF value.
Carbon Tax: A flat fee determined by the vehicle's engine capacity is also applied.

Tax Exemptions Available for:

Returning Residents: Zimbabwean nationals who have resided abroad for over 24 months may be eligible for a rebate of duty.
Physically Handicapped Persons: Individuals with a physical handicap may be exempt from customs duty, but VAT is still applicable.
Temporary Import Permits: Non-residents temporarily importing vehicles may be exempt from import duties and taxes.

Ensuring adherence to these guidelines and having accurate documentation facilitates a seamless car import process into Zimbabwe. Please note that regulations can change, and it is always advisable to consult the latest information from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) or a reputable clearing agent.