By Desire Tshuma
Beitbridge – The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority has confirmed new relief measures to make it easier for Zimbabweans returning home from South Africa to clear their belongings at the border. The Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion has approved what ZIMRA calls a “Flexible Customs Administration Mechanism” to facilitate the repatriation.
The notice says the measure works alongside the existing law for returning residents under Section 105 of the Customs and Excise (General) Regulations and Statutory Instrument 10 of 2022. Under the arrangement, personal effects will be admitted duty-free. That includes clothing, furniture, kitchen utensils and other household goods used by the returning resident.
Small business owners are also covered. ZIMRA says pre-owned business or capital goods previously used by the returning resident may come in under a rebate facility. This includes computers, furniture, equipment and tools. Applicants must provide proof of ownership for both the business and the goods.
Returning residents can also import one motor vehicle under duty suspension, subject to the conditions in Statutory Instrument 10 of 2022. Value Added Tax will still be payable on the vehicle.
To prevent abuse, ZIMRA will conduct interviews and documentary checks to confirm bona fide returning residents and to separate them from frequent cross-border traders. Passports and travel records will be reviewed to assess travel patterns.