Moving to Zimbabwe

Used Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

  • Original passport
  • Original bill of lading (OBL) / express release / air waybill (AWB)
  • Original inventory of all items (with serial numbers of electrical appliance to be written on)
  • Original packing list with values in USD and English
  • Freight invoice – for customs clearance purposes
  • Resident / work permit / letter of employment

Specific Information

  • Resident stamp / work permit / letter of employment / termination letter must explain details of new contract in Zimbabwe.
  • Returning citizens must have payslips for the past 2 years and a bank statement for last 6 months, along with an exit stamp of when the owner of the goods left (required for interview with customs) (returning resident).
  • Letter of appointment from organization in Zimbabwe (client is on work permit).
  • Those working on a work permit must have letter of appointment from organization.
  • Diplomats must have report order letter from the Embassy in Zimbabwe and a diplomatic ID card.
  • Goods should be only household goods and personal effects in order to be duty free.
  • Owners of the goods must be present during Customs clearance.
  • Customs will inspect all shipments.
  • Diplomats are exempt from duties.
  • Diplomats and returning citizens who live 2 or more years abroad are exempt from duties.
  • A duty exemption letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must be obtained for diplomatic shipments.

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

  • Original registration card
  • Certificate of ownership
  • Change of residence certificate
  • Copy of purchase invoice

Specific Information

  • Taxes on vehicle will depend on age, power, etc. (100% to 110% CIF).
  • The OBL must show the chassis number, engine number, cubic capacity, year of manufacture, brand, and model.

Pets

Documents Required

  • Certificate of vaccination
  • Zimbabwe veterinary health certificate
  • Import license (from the Director of Veterinary Services)

Specific Information

  • Permission from the Director of Veterinary Services is required prior to import.

Restricted/Dutiable Items

  • Plants and seeds and animals (agricultural certificate and phytosanitary certificate are required from the Embassy)
  • Medication
  • Firearms and ammunitions (authorization from the territorial administration is required)
  • Wine and spirits (2 L)
  • Cigarettes (200)

Prohibited Items

  • Narcotics
  • Explosive materials
  • Foreign soil
  • Pornography, defamatory or obscene publications
  • Cultural artifacts and other objects of cultural importance
  • Henna
  • Palm tree and any products thereof

Consignment Instructions

Recommended:  Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

Cultural and Other Information