Import Japanese Cars to Zimbabwe
Complete Import Regulations & Procedures Guide
RHD. Hard 10-year manufacture cap for general imports. Exemptions in SI 172/2024. Main corridor Durban–Beitbridge....
Age-capped
Last verified: August 2026Quick Navigation
Year Restriction
Under 10 years from manufacture (general ban at 10+)
Shipping Time
10-14 weeks
Year Restrictions
Under 10 years from manufacture (general ban at 10+)
Zimbabwe is RHD. ZIMRA: second-hand vehicles aged 10 years and above from manufacture shall not be imported for ordinary private use (SI 54 of 2024).
SI 172 of 2024 exemptions (still must meet ZIMRA eligibility): deceased estates; qualifying immigrants/returning residents; diplomats; antique/classic/historic vehicles 25+ years with a Ministry of Industry and Commerce import licence.
Destination Port & Shipping Information
Main Destination Port
Durban (then Beitbridge) or Dar es Salaam
Alternative Ports:
- Durban
- Dar es Salaam
- Beira
Shipping Duration:
10-14 weeks
Vessel Schedule & Shipping Lines
Preferred Shipping Lines:
- NYK
- MOL
- Hoegh Autoliners
Inspection Requirements
Inspection Type:
Roadworthiness / origin documents (SARPCO police clearance if from Southern Africa)
Inspection Details:
From Japan: export certificate, invoice, BL, insurance, freight statement. From a SADC country: SARPCO police clearance as well. ZIMRA may inspect at Beitbridge or inland.
Last verified & official sources
Last verified: August 2026 — rules and rates change; confirm with the authority before you buy.
Import Duties & Taxes
Import Duty
Customs duty on ZIMRA value (schedule rates — confirm current)
VAT
VAT on importation (confirm current ZIMRA rate)
Other Taxes
Surtax/excise may apply by engine. Immigrant rebate rules are separate and strict (ownership period, one vehicle, disposal restrictions).
Required Documentation
Documents for Individual Importers:
-
Passport
-
Invoice
-
BL
-
Export certificate
-
Proof of funds / rebate papers if claimed
Documents for Company Importers:
-
Company papers
-
Invoice
-
BL
-
Export certificate
Important Notes
Official: ZIMRA https://www.zimra.co.zw/customs/importation-of-motor-vehicles-by-private-individuals ; SI 54 of 2024 and SI 172 of 2024. Confirm exemption category before shipping a 10+ year car.
Helpful Tips
1) Manufacture year must be under 10 for a normal import. 2) Do not under-declare — ZIMRA revalues. 3) Returning residents must match rebate conditions before relying on them.
Import Regulations Overview
RHD. Hard 10-year manufacture cap for general imports. Exemptions in SI 172/2024. Main corridor Durban–Beitbridge.
Step by step: (1) Confirm manufacture year < 10 (or an SI 172 exemption). (2) Export from Japan. (3) RoRo to Durban. (4) Beitbridge ZIMRA. (5) Pay duty/VAT. (6) ZINARA/VID registration.
