HARARE – The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has tightened scrutiny of Zimbabwe’s thriving second-hand vehicle market, urging prospective buyers to verify customs clearance details before purchasing imported vehicles in a move aimed at curbing tax evasion, vehicle fraud and the circulation of improperly imported cars.
By Advent Shoko
In a public notice issued on June 15, 2026, ZIMRA said buyers should confirm that a vehicle being offered for sale complies with customs and revenue laws before making any payment to the seller.
The directive comes as Zimbabwe continues to witness growing demand for imported second-hand vehicles, particularly from Japan, the United Kingdom, Singapore and other international markets, with many motorists turning to used imports as a more affordable alternative to brand-new vehicles.
Under the new verification process, prospective buyers are required to submit documents to ZIMRA for confirmation of customs clearance details before concluding a transaction.
The documents include an agreement of sale containing the contact details of both the buyer and seller, the vehicle registration book, identification documents for both parties and any available customs clearance documentation.
According to the tax authority, the verification request should ideally be made before payment is completed.
“The prospective buyer is requested to scan and forward the following documents to facilitate the necessary verification processes,” ZIMRA said in the notice.
Protecting buyers from costly surprises
The latest move highlights growing concerns over vehicles that may have entered the country without proper customs procedures or where import duties remain unpaid.
Industry observers say unsuspecting buyers can find themselves facing significant financial liabilities if they purchase vehicles later discovered to have customs irregularities.
In some cases, authorities can impound vehicles or demand settlement of outstanding duties and penalties, leaving new owners exposed to unexpected costs despite having purchased the vehicle in good faith.
The verification system is therefore designed not only to protect government revenue but also to safeguard consumers from becoming victims of fraudulent transactions.
Why customs clearance matters
Every imported vehicle entering Zimbabwe is required to undergo customs clearance procedures and, where applicable, attract import duty and other taxes before registration and use on public roads.
Failure to comply with these requirements constitutes a breach of customs regulations and may result in enforcement action.
The second-hand vehicle sector has long been a critical source of mobility for Zimbabwean households and businesses, but authorities have periodically raised concerns over under-declared imports, falsified documentation and attempts to evade customs obligations.
By encouraging buyers to verify a vehicle’s import history before payment, ZIMRA is effectively placing an additional layer of due diligence into the purchasing process.
Increased focus on tax compliance
The latest notice also reflects broader government efforts to strengthen tax compliance and plug revenue leakages at a time when authorities are seeking to improve domestic revenue mobilisation.
Revenue collection remains a key pillar of Zimbabwe’s fiscal framework, with customs duties contributing significantly to government income.
As vehicle imports continue to grow, ensuring that all applicable taxes have been properly accounted for has become an increasingly important priority for tax authorities.
What buyers should do
Prospective buyers are now being advised to pause before transferring money and first seek verification from their nearest ZIMRA office.
Officials say the process can help confirm whether a vehicle was properly cleared through customs and whether any outstanding compliance issues exist.
For many buyers, especially those purchasing vehicles through private arrangements, the verification could prove the difference between securing a legitimate deal and inheriting a costly legal and financial problem.
With used vehicles remaining the preferred option for thousands of Zimbabweans, ZIMRA’s message is clear: check first, pay later.
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