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Importing to Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe faces both challenges and rising opportunities. The tech space is predominantly centered around its agri-based economy and mining sector. When getting your gear into this country, it is advisable to understand the responsibilities of an Importer of Record.
Tax
Up to 15%
Duty
Up to 20%
Lead Times
6-7 Weeks
Trade Restrictions
Subject to Pre- and Post-Inspections
Best Carrier Option
Courier or Freight Forwarder
Non-Working Days
Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays
Prominent Languages
Chewa, Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Koi-san, Nambya, Ndau, Ndebele, Shangani, Shona, Sign Language, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Venda, and Xhosa
Exporting and Importing to Zimbabwe
Despite facing financial and political hardships, Zimbabwe shows resilience and responsiveness to opportunities in the ICT sector, illustrating its propensity for growth. Telecommunication companies, for example, have also increased investment in enhancing data capacity and capability to reinvent the region as a technological hub.
Zimbabwe’s strategic location in south-central Africa makes it a crucial transit trade hub. It is bordered by four countries, namely Mozambique, Botswana, Zambia, and South Africa. The country’s role in regional economic communities such as the Common Markter for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) further promotes trade for Zimbabwe.
Population
17 M
Biggest Industry by Export
Gold
Capital City
Harare
Biggest Industry by Import
Mineral Fuels
Unique Pain Points for Zimbabwean Imports and Exports
Infrastructure Challenges
Zimbabwe’s unreliable transportation networks, lengthy customs clearance procedures, and limited access to efficient postal services can hamper tech, increasing costs and delaying deliveries. Inconsistent standards and regulations for IT and tech imports can also create confusion and additional business costs.
Customs Revaluation
A customs revaluation is common and happens when the Zimbabwean customs authority challenges and reviews the imported goods. This process can lead to unexpected costs and increased delays, hindering the import process overall and creating logistical challenges.
Political Tensions
Zimbabwe has faced long-standing political tensions. These tensions have created an unstable and unpredictable business environment, which is impacting the trade landscape and investors’ willingness to invest. Sudden policy shifts can also lead to disruptions with supply chains and increased costs, making navigating the trade landscape significantly more challenging.
Corruption
Zimbabwe struggles with corruption, which ultimately hinders trade. This leads to uncertainty and a costly environment at the border. Corruption can also lead to delays and longer processing times due to increased inspections.
Top Countries Associated with Zimbabwe
Africa
South Africa
Asia
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Specialized Solution for Zimbabwe
Importing into Zimbabwe poses significant complexities and challenges. With our specialized Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) shipping solution, TecEx is uniquely positioned to serve as your Importer of Record (IOR).
Operating under DDP incoterms, we can efficiently manage the entire process for you, from pre-compliance and customs clearance to final delivery, ensuring seamless operations to any site in Zimbabwe.
Specific Zimbabwean Compliance Regulations
Pre-Shipping Inspection and Certificate of Conformity (CoC)
A pre-shipping inspection, along with a Certificate of Conformity, is required for the majority of goods imported into Zimbabwe.
The pre-shipping inspection is done before the goods are shipped and includes a quantity, labeling, and visual inspection check. Therefore, everything must be accurate and in place before the inspection to avoid delays.
The Certificate of Conformity is gathered after the pre-shipping inspection and is the official document stating that the imported goods meet Zimbabwe’s standards and regulations.
Consignment-Based Conformity Assessment
A consignment-based conformity assessment (CBCA) is required for certain imports with certain HS codes to Zimbabwe. This assessment ensures that the imported tech goods comply with the country’s national standards. Test reports and physical inspections may occur. TecEx will identify whether your goods require a CBCA and ensure everything is in check for importation.
Import Permit
Certain goods, including goods containing cables, require additional documentation, including an import permit. Other documents need to be gathered before this permit can be obtained. TecEx will gather all accompanying documentation and ensure an import permit is included where required.
Global Import Compliance Solution for Zimbabwe
Fill in the form to get in touch, and our expert team will contact you with a bespoke customs compliance solution to suit your needs.
