Shipping to and from Zimbabwe

Limark in Zimbabwe

Connecting Zimbabwe across Africa and beyond

Limark has been a trusted partner for Zimbabwean businesses, facilitating growth and integration into global markets through seamless logistics solutions. We understand the unique challenges and opportunities of Zimbabwe’s trade landscape and leverage our extensive network and expertise to optimize your supply chain.

Whether you’re exporting Zimbabwe’s renowned tobacco, minerals, or horticultural products, or importing essential goods and equipment, our tailored solutions ensure efficient and cost-effective cargo movement, opening doors to new markets and empowering your business to thrive globally.

Import regulations

Importing goods to Zimbabwe requires navigating specific procedures and documentation. Here’s a breakdown of the essential requirements:

Regulations and restrictions

Product categories requiring import licenses/permits

Food and Agricultural Products

Imports of meat, dairy products, fish, grains, fruits, and vegetables require import permits from the Ministry of Agriculture.
Phytosanitary certificates are necessary for plants and plant products to ensure they are free from pests and diseases.
Import licenses are required for specific products like sugar, wheat, and rice to regulate supply and stabilize prices.

Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices

The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) regulates the import of pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
Import permits and product registration are mandatory.
Medicines must comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and be registered with MCAZ.
Medical devices must meet relevant technical standards and be approved by MCAZ.

Chemicals and Hazardous Materials

The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) regulates the import of chemicals and hazardous materials.
Import permits are required, and detailed safety data sheets (SDS) must be submitted.
Strict adherence to packaging, labeling, and transportation regulations is essential.

Used Vehicles and Spare Parts

The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development regulates the import of used vehicles and spare parts.
Import permits are required for used vehicles.
Age restrictions apply to used vehicles, typically not older than 10 years.
Conformity Assessment and Verification of Conformity (CBCA) certificates are required for used vehicles.

Other regulated products

Additional import licenses or permits may be required for specific products like:

Telecommunications equipment
Explosives
Firearms and ammunition
Wildlife and wildlife products
Used clothing and footwear
Prohibited and restricted imports:

Prohibited

Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
Pornographic and obscene materials
Counterfeit and pirated goods
Hazardous waste (Basel Convention)
Ozone-depleting substances (Montreal Protocol)
Right-hand drive vehicles
Asbestos
Mercury and mercury compounds
Restricted (require special permits):
Live animals and animal products (require health certificates)
Plants and plant products (require phytosanitary certificates)
Firearms and ammunition
Explosives
Radioactive materials
Used tires
Second-hand undergarments

Relevant agencies

Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA)
Ministry of Industry and Commerce
Ministry of Agriculture
Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ)
Environmental Management Agency (EMA)
Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development
Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ)
Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ)

Demurrage and detention

Free Time

Typically, 5 days for general cargo and 10 days for containerized cargo after discharge.
May vary depending on the shipping line and port.

Demurrage charges

Applied when the free time is exceeded.
Calculated per container, per day.
Rates vary depending on the shipping line, container size, and time elapsed.

Detention Charges

Applied when the container is held beyond the agreed-upon time for return to the shipping line after being picked up from the port.
Separate from demurrage charges.
Rates vary depending on the shipping line and container size.

Storage Limitations

Port terminals have limited storage capacity.
Containers not cleared within the allowed time may be moved to an off-dock depot at the importer’s expense.

Calculation Methods

Demurrage and detention charges are calculated based on calendar days, including weekends and public holidays.

Required Import documentation

Commercial Invoice

Detailed description of goods (including HS codes)
Quantity, weight, and unit price of goods
Total invoice value (in USD or ZWL)
Incoterms (International Commercial Terms)
Payment terms
Consignee and consignor details

Packing List

Detailed list of all items in each package
Description, quantity, weight, and dimensions of each item
Package markings and numbers

Bill of Lading/Airway Bill

Evidence of the contract of carriage between the shipper and carrier
Details of the shipment, including the consignee, consignor, and port of loading/discharge

Certificate of Origin

Declares the origin of the goods
Issued by the Chamber of Commerce in the exporting country
May be required for preferential tariff treatment under trade agreements (e.g., SADC, COMESA)

Import License/Permit (for regulated goods)

Issued by the relevant government agency
Customs Declaration (Bill of Entry – Form 21):
Submitted through the ASYCUDA World system
Requires detailed information about the shipment and importer

Other Certificates

Phytosanitary certificate (for plants and plant products)
Health certificate (for animals and animal products)
Certificate of analysis (for chemicals and food products)
CITES permit (for endangered species)
Consignment-Based Conformity Assessment (CBCA) Certificate:
Required for specific products like used vehicles and electrical appliances
Issued by an accredited inspection company

Import Licenses and Permits

Identify the Regulating Agency:

Determine the specific ministry or agency responsible for your goods based on the product category.

Gather Required Documents:

Proforma invoice or commercial contract
Technical specifications and data sheets (if applicable)
Certificates of origin, analysis, quality, etc.
Business registration documents (for companies)
Tax clearance certificate

Submit Application:

Complete the import permit application form.
Submit the application along with required documents and fees to the relevant agency.
Applications are typically submitted online or in person.

Processing and Approval:

The application will be reviewed and processed by the agency.
Processing times vary but can take several weeks.
If approved, the import permit will be issued.

Validity and Renewal:

Validity periods vary depending on the product and agency.
Renewal procedures involve submitting a new application with updated documents before the expiry date.

Costs:

Import permit fees vary depending on the product and agency.
Additional costs may include inspection fees and testing fees.

Customs clearance procedures

Pre-shipment Inspection (PSI)

Required for most commercial shipments valued at over USD 5,000.
Conducted by authorized inspection companies in the country of origin.
Verifies the quality, quantity, and value of goods.

Arrival and Unloading

Vessel or aircraft arrives at the port or airport.
Cargo is unloaded and placed in customs control.

Document Lodgement and Declaration

Importer or their agent lodges import documents (commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, etc.) with customs.
Electronic declaration (Form 21) is submitted through the ASYCUDA World system.

Assessment and Payment

Customs verifies the documents and assesses import duties, taxes, and fees.
Payment is made through a local bank.

Inspection (if required):

Customs may select shipments for physical inspection based on risk assessment.

Release of Goods:

If the shipment complies with all regulations and requirements, and duties/taxes are paid, customs releases the goods.

Port/Terminal operations

Major Seaports

Zimbabwe is a landlocked country, so imports are typically routed through the following ports:

Durban (South Africa): The main port for Zimbabwe’s imports, offering efficient container handling and storage facilities.
Beira (Mozambique): An alternative port for imports, especially for bulk cargo.

Air Cargo Hub

Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE): The main airport for air cargo imports.

Cut-off Dates

Vary depending on the shipping line and destination.
Confirm with your shipping agent or freight forwarder well in advance.
Documentation Requirements at Terminals:
Ensure all required documents are submitted electronically through ASYCUDA World before the shipment arrives.
Original documents may be required for verification at the terminal.

Container Pickup/Drop-off and Storage

Coordinate with your shipping agent or freight forwarder for container pickup and drop-off procedures at the port of entry.
Be aware of free time limitations and potential demurrage/detention charges.

Disclaimer: This information is based on the latest available data and may be subject to change. Always consult with relevant authorities and experts for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Export regulations

Get a detailed guide that provides an in-depth look into every aspect of the export process to ensure your goods are shipped efficiently and in compliance with all legal standards.

Regulations and restrictions

Product Categories Requiring Export Licenses/Permits

Minerals and Ores

Gold: Export permits from the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development (MMMD) are required, along with a Fidelity Printers and Refiners (FPR) export license. Exporters must adhere to strict declaration procedures and pay royalties on gold exports.
Platinum Group Metals (PGMs): PGM exports are subject to similar regulations as gold, requiring permits from the MMMD and FPR licenses.
Other Minerals: Exports of other minerals like chrome, nickel, and coal require permits from the MMMD, ensuring compliance with mining laws and environmental regulations.

Tobacco

Tobacco is a major export commodity in Zimbabwe, and its export is tightly regulated by the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB).
Exporters must register with TIMB, obtain export permits, and comply with quality standards and grading regulations.
Tobacco exports are subject to a tobacco levy, which is a percentage of the export value.

Horticultural Products

Flowers, Fruits, Vegetables: Exports of horticultural products require phytosanitary certificates from the Plant Protection Research Institute (PPRI) under the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.

The certificates ensure that products are free from pests and diseases and comply with international phytosanitary standards.

Cotton

Cotton exports are regulated by the Cotton Company of Zimbabwe (Cottco). Exporters must register with Cottco and obtain export permits.
Quality standards and ginning certificates are required for cotton exports.

Other Regulated Products

Wildlife and Wildlife Products: Exporting wildlife and wildlife products is strictly regulated by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks). CITES permits are required for endangered species, and strict conservation regulations apply.

Manufactured Goods: Certain manufactured goods may require export permits depending on their nature and destination country. These include textiles, clothing, and processed foods.

Scrap Metal: Export permits from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce are required to control the export of scrap metal and prevent illegal activities.

Prohibited and Restricted Exports

Prohibited

Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
Pornographic and obscene materials
Counterfeit and pirated goods
Hazardous waste (Basel Convention)
Ozone-depleting substances (Montreal Protocol)
Live animals without health certificates
Unprocessed diamonds and precious stones
Protected wildlife species and products (unless authorized by CITES)

Restricted

Plants and plant products (require phytosanitary certificates)
Firearms and ammunition (require special permits from the Zimbabwe Republic Police)
Explosives (require special permits from the Ministry of Defence)
Certain minerals and metals (require export permits and may be subject to export quotas)
Art and cultural artifacts (require export permits from the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe)

Customs and documentation requirements

Required Documents

Commercial Invoice: Detailed description of goods (including HS codes), quantity, weight, value (in USD or ZWL), Incoterms, payment terms, and complete details of the consignee and consignor.

Packing List: Itemized list of goods in each package, including description, quantity, weight, dimensions, and package markings.

Bill of Lading/Airway Bill: Evidence of the contract of carriage between the shipper and carrier, with details of the shipment, consignee, consignor, and port of loading/discharge.

Certificate of Origin: Issued by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) or an accredited chamber of commerce, certifying the origin of the goods.

Export Permit/License (if applicable): Issued by the relevant government agency.

CD1 Form (Customs Declaration Form): Electronic declaration submitted through the ASYCUDA World system, providing detailed information about the shipment.

Export Declaration Process (through ASYCUDA World)

Register as an exporter on the ASYCUDA World platform.
Prepare and submit the CD1 Form electronically through ASYCUDA World.
Customs verifies the declaration and supporting documents.
If compliant, customs approves the export and issues a release order.
Pay any applicable export duties or taxes.

Required Export Certificates

Phytosanitary Certificate (for plants and plant products): Issued by the PPRI.
Health Certificate (for live animals and animal products): Issued by the DVS.
Certificate of Analysis: May be required for specific products like tobacco and minerals to confirm quality and safety standards.
Kimberley Process Certificate (for rough diamonds): Issued by the MMMD.
CITES Permit (for endangered species): Issued by ZimParks.

Terminal/Port operations

Major Ports

Zimbabwe is a landlocked country, so exports are typically routed through the following ports:

Durban (South Africa): The main port for Zimbabwe’s exports, offering efficient container handling and storage facilities.
Beira (Mozambique): An alternative port for exports, especially for bulk cargo.
Walvis Bay (Namibia): A growing port with increasing importance for Zimbabwean exports.

Cut-off Times and Procedures

Vary depending on the shipping line, destination, and type of cargo.
Confirm with your shipping agent or freight forwarder well in advance.
Procedures typically include document submission through ASYCUDA World, customs clearance, security screening, and container loading.

Container Storage and Free Time

All major ports offer container storage facilities.
Free time for storage varies depending on the port and shipping line, typically ranging from 3 to 7 days.
Storage fees apply after the free time expires.

Cargo handling and fees

Returning Empty Containers

Coordinate with your shipping line or agent to return empty containers to the designated depot.
Failure to return containers on time may result in detention charges.

Export Duties: Generally, Zimbabwe does not impose export duties on most goods. However, specific export levies may apply to certain products (e.g., tobacco).

Other Fees: Customs processing fees, document handling charges, terminal handling charges, storage fees (if applicable), and any specific taxes or levies related to the exported product.

Expertise You Can Trust

Seamless cross-border shipping to and from Zimbabwe

At Limark, we understand the unique challenges of shipping to and from Zimbabwe. Our team of local experts has a deep understanding of the complex regulatory landscape, ensuring your cargo moves seamlessly and efficiently. We pride ourselves on being a trusted partner to businesses across industries, providing reliable and cost-effective shipping solutions tailored to your specific needs.

Our extensive network, combined with streamlined processes and cutting-edge technology, allows us to deliver exceptional value to our customers. Experience the difference of working with a supply chain leader that puts your needs first. Contact our regional experts to request a quote, book, or learn more about our end-to-end solutions.

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Contact our regional experts

Partner with experienced freight forwarders and customs brokers for seamless shipping to and from Zimbabwe. Ensure full documentation compliance with the guidance and logistics services of our team.