The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) unilaterally increased import duty on all second-hand motor vehicles with effect from last Wednesday.The move has resulted in duty for a wide range of motor vehicles increasing by between $200 and $400, while those importing top-of-the-range second-hand models are forking out more.

Where importers used to spend at least $6 000, they now need $400 more.

A ZIMRA official at Beitbridge Border Post said the changes sought to ensure uniformity in terms of duty paid for various vehicles at all border posts. However, the percentages upon which import duty was calculated remained unchanged.

Under the current import duty schedule, buses with a carrying capacity of 26 passengers and above pay 40 percent, double cab trucks 60 percent, and passenger motor vehicles of engine capacity below 1500cc attract duty of 40 percent.
Those vehicles with engines above 1500cc are charged 86 percent duty inclusive of VAT and Surtax.

Car dealers and clearing agents have lambasted ZIMRA for imposing the new values without prior notifications or consultations. Source: the herald