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Importing cars from Japan to Zimbabwe isn’t as hard as it seems. There used to be two major restrictions when it comes to vehicle importation: secondhand vehicles must be five years old and below, and only right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles may be imported. The government has since lifted the ban on age restrictions but still want to make Zimbabwe roads free from left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles by December 31, 2015. This means that car owners with left-hand drive vehicles should convert their cars to right-hand drive or purchase a new car. The latter option is undoubtedly an expensive one, unless you are buying second hand. Zimbabweans, particularly the Transport Operators Association of Zimbabwe or TOAZ, maintain that imported used LHD cars are still more affordable than those assembled locally. If however you are planning to import cars from Japan for yourself or your family, it would be better to stick to buying RHD vehicles that are less than five years old—just to be sure. The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority or ZIMRA has put in place regulations regarding the importation of motor vehicles by private individuals. Aside from the two restrictions, the process of importation is basically the same as that of other goods. Vehicles should strictly be for private use. Here are the things to do to make sure your car gets into Zimbabwe easily. Make a declaration of the vehicle’s particulars. Obtain a ZIMRA Customs Declaration Form (Form 47) and fill it up completely with the necessary information. The form is where you will put in the details about the importer and the vehicle. Do not forget to declare the value of the vehicle! The value should match the selling price as stated on the invoice, or agreement of sale, from the seller. Prepare the necessary documentation. During the import process, you will need to present the following: invoice or agreement of sale; Export Bill of Entry (and other supporting documents); Police Clearance; Registration book (for secondhand vehicles); brokerage; handling; storage; documentation; insurance up to the destination port; and freight up to the destination port. The value of imported vehicles will be assessed by ZIMRA in accordance with Section 112 of the Customs and Excise Act, so be sure to check the tax and fees to have an idea of the total cost. Import cars from Japan going to Zimbabwe will be shipped to the port of Durban. As imported vehicles may not be driven on the roads of South Africa, look for a reliable agent who can forward your car to Beitbridge Border. The agent will also be the one to have your car cleared at Durban before delivering it to Beitbridge. Incorporate the clearing and forwarding fees to your budgeting. Some exporters would already have their own logistics service (including forwarding) and clearing agents at Durban. Ask your exporter if their company has this service. It may be worth a few more dollars but it will be worth the trouble, since you cannot collect the car from Durban anymore. The only thing left for you to do would be to meet your import car from Japan at Beitbridge and drive it home.
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