Zimbabwe Tightens Import & Export Controls – Statutory Instrument 59 of 2026
Issued by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Statutory Instrument 59 of 2026 introduces new rules on import and export licensing, fees, restrictions, and enforcement.
Key Highlights
Licence Rejections: Applications may be refused if goods fail national standards, harm Zimbabwe’s economy, or if the applicant has contravened regulations. Application Fees:
Import licence – US$100
Export licence – US$50 (Non-refundable, payable before processing)
Second-Hand Vehicles: Importation of vehicles 10+ years old is banned, except for inherited estates, immigrants, diplomats, or vintage cars. Second-Hand Clothing: Prohibited unless authorised for charitable purposes. Undergarments: Strictly prohibited under all circumstances. Offences: Violations may lead to fines up to level 12, imprisonment up to 1 year, or both.
Goods Requiring Import Licenses
Licences are required for a wide range of goods including:
School uniforms and socks
Furniture and steel kitchen units
Poultry, meat, milk, and dairy products
Cement and petroleum products
Tyres, stationery, footwear, steel products
Pharmaceuticals such as antibiotics, painkillers, and infusion fluids
Full list available in the First Schedule of the SI.
Export Licence Required For
Fertilizer
Raw and refined sugar
Second-hand industrial equipment
Restrictions on Second-Hand Vehicles
Vehicles aged ten (10) years and above are prohibited unless they fall under exemptions such as:
Inherited estates
Immigrants returning to Zimbabwe
Diplomats returning from postings
Vintage vehicles
Restrictions on Clothing
Second-hand clothing imports prohibited unless for charitable purposes with a valid permit.
Second-hand undergarments strictly prohibited under all circumstances.
Enforcement
Goods imported in violation will be re-exported at the owner’s expense or forfeited to the State if not removed within 60 days.
Application Procedures
Applications must include:
Company profile and product details (tariff code, quantity, value, origin)
Supporting documents: Certificate of Incorporation, Tax Clearance, SDF levy receipt, proforma invoice
Individuals: National ID or Passport plus justification
Exemptions
Individuals may import small personal-use quantities monthly without a licence (e.g., 4 litres cooking oil, 4kg sugar, 2kg cereals, 1 blanket, etc.).
Exemptions also apply to goods belonging to deceased estates, diplomats, and returning residents.
Source: Supplement to the Zimbabwean Government Gazette Extraordinary, 25 March 2026.
📄 Download Full Statutory Instrument (PDF)