
Zimbabwe Adopts No Receipt-Presumed Smuggled Policy
Government has identified 19 goods that will be presumed smuggled unless importers produce genuine documentation proving duty payment, as the Second Republic intensifies its crackdown on illicit trade.
The goods are
- alcoholic beverages,
- non-alcoholic beverages,
- cement,
- clothing,
- footwear,
- dairy products,
- diapers,
- electrical appliances,
- cables and accessories,
- ploughs and parts thereof,
- processed meat,
- rice,
- pasta,
- sugar,
- tyres,
- motor spares,
- washing powder and detergents,
- biscuits and sweets, and
- laundry and baths soaps.
The Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube, announced the new regulations in Statutory Instrument 7 of 2025 yesterday.
The regulations take effect today, and are an addition to the multi-agency task force being led by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, as Government tightens the noose on the flow of illegal imports.
Zimbabwe Adopts No Receipt-Presumed Smuggled Policy
Prof Ncube said all those found in contravention of the regulations will be liable to payment of the duty and applicable penalties.
Prof Ncube said no customer will be required to produce documentation of duty on goods purchased from a local manufacturer, wholesaler or retailer.
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For the avoidance of doubt, no customer shall be required to produce proof of payment of duty on imported goods purchased from a local manufacturer, wholesaler or retailer.
Since December last year, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has impounded goods valued at approximately US$2,4 million in a multi-agency operation targeting importers and cross-border transporters involved in smuggling and unethical business practices.
The operation has resulted in the seizure of dozens of vehicles, including cross-border buses and haulage trucks, and confiscation of illicit goods such as foodstuffs and second-hand clothes.