Bulawayo, (New Ziana) — The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority(Zimra) has intensified customs enforcement at the country’s ports of entry, warning the public against abusing the US$200 monthly duty-free allowance as part of broader efforts to curb smuggling and uphold fair trade practices.
In a public notice on Tuesday, ZIMRA said it is strengthening border processes to improve efficiency while ensuring compliance with customs regulations, amid growing concern that some travellers are abusing the personal rebate system to bring in goods for resale.
“The personal travellers’ rebate remains at US$200 per person per calendar month, subject to prescribed conditions.
Any personal goods exceeding this threshold will attract duty on the excess value,” Zimra said.
Authorities say the rebate facility is strictly meant for personal use items and not for commercial trading, warning that those found importing goods in bulk under the guise of personal luggage risk penalties, including seizure of goods.
ZIMRA highlighted that goods intended for resale or imported in commercial quantities will be classified as commercial consignments and must be cleared formally, with full duty paid.
Such consignments are required to go through licensed clearing agents to ensure proper documentation and compliance.
“Bulk goods intended for resale are treated as commercial consignments and must be duty paid in full and cleared through licensed clearing agents,” the authority said.
However, in a move aimed at easing processes for small-scale traders, ZIMRA noted that consignments valued below US$1,000 can still be processed at its counters without necessarily engaging clearing agents, although the use of agents is encouraged to allow for pre-clearance and faster processing at ports of entry.
The revenue authority also announced a separation of traffic at border posts, with passengers set to be prioritised for quicker clearance, while commercial cargo will be processed through designated channels.
This development is expected to reduce congestion at busy entry points such as Beitbridge.
To avoid delays, ZIMRA urged travellers to make accurate declarations and take advantage of pre-clearance facilities before arriving at border posts.
“These measures are designed to facilitate trade while ensuring a smooth, fair and efficient border experience for all,” ZIMRA said.
The latest directive comes as the country continues to battle the influx of smuggled and counterfeit goods, which authorities say undermine local industry, erode tax revenues and distort market competition.
In recent years, ZIMRA has intensified surveillance and enforcement operations at border posts, including the deployment of electronic cargo tracking systems and risk-based inspections.
Cross-border trading remains a critical source of livelihood for thousands of Zimbabweans, particularly in the informal sector.
However, authorities have repeatedly warned that failure to comply with customs regulations not only slows down border processes but also exposes traders to financial losses through penalties and confiscations.
ZIMRA reiterated its commitment to balancing trade facilitation with enforcement, saying the new measures are part of broader efforts to modernise border management systems and enhance revenue collection.
New Ziana
