ZIMRA Offices (file photo)
By George Swarei
The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has implemented new regulations requiring all vehicles imported through the country’s borders, specifically Beitbridge and Plumtree, to obtain number plates from the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR) before leaving the ports of entry or transit sheds.
This rule, which took effect on June 1, aims to curb customs fraud that has seen an increase in vehicles being smuggled and fraudulently registered.
Under the new regulations, only vehicles imported by diplomats or registered car dealers can leave the border on temporary registration plates. The change follows a rise in customs fraud cases where importers misrepresent vehicle details to evade taxes. Customs fraud, involving the misclassification of goods or underreporting their value, has become a significant issue, prompting Zimra to enforce this measure.
A Zimra official at Beitbridge, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated that customs clearing agents were notified of the new regulations in early June. The official explained that this rule has always existed under section 49A of the Customs and Excise Act Chapter 23:02 but is now being strictly enforced to address the increasing fraud cases.
The Act stipulates that “imported vehicles shall be registered for the purposes of the Vehicle Registration and Licensing Act [Chapter 13.14] at the time entry is made,” requiring an application on the prescribed form and payment of the prescribed fee. Vehicles designated for warehousing must be registered when taken out of the warehouse.
By the end of yesterday, many vehicle importers were still processing registration plates under the new rules. Previously, imported vehicles could be released from the border on temporary plates valid for 14 days. However, due to rising import fraud involving pre-owned cars, Zimra revised the system.
In a public notice, Zimra stated, “The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority advises members of the public, who intend to import vehicles through Plumtree Border Post, that with effect from July 1, 2024, all vehicles cleared at Plumtree Border Post would be required to obtain registration and number plates before release from Zimra.” The same requirements apply at Beitbridge Border Post, where imports are processed at Manica, Malindi, and Beitbridge Transit Sheds.
To obtain motor vehicle registration books and number plates, importers must provide several documents, including valid police clearance from the Vehicle Theft Squad (VTS), the original ASYCUDA receipt of duty payment, an original insurance cover note with a photocopy, proof of residence stamped by a commissioner of oaths, and a photocopy of national identity documents stamped by a commissioner of oaths. If applicable, an affidavit or letter of authority stamped by the police or notarized power of attorney authorizing the registration on the owner’s behalf, and a copy of the ID of the authorized person is also required. For representatives, a Zimra-stamped ID or, in the case of clearing agents, a valid Zimra-stamped ID is necessary. Immigrants and returning residents must provide their original passport, export documents from the shipping country, and the Consignment Based Conformity Assessment (CBCA) certificate.
Zimra emphasized, “No vehicle shall be released from Zimra custody without registration unless authority has been granted.”
The implementation of these regulations comes in response to a growing trend of vehicles being smuggled into Zimbabwe via illegal crossing points and fraudulently registered, posing significant challenges to customs enforcement and revenue collection.
