Used Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

• Original passport
• Original bill of lading (OBL) / express release / air waybill (AWB)
• Original inventory of all items (with serial numbers of electrical appliance to be written on)
• Original packing list with values in USD and English
• Freight invoice - for customs clearance purposes
• Resident / work permit / letter of employment

Specific Information

• Resident stamp / work permit / letter of employment / termination letter must explain details of new contract in Zimbabwe.
• Returning citizens must have payslips for the past 2 years and a bank statement for last 6 months, along with an exit stamp of when the owner of the goods left (required for interview with customs) (returning resident).
• Letter of appointment from organization in Zimbabwe (client is on work permit).
• Those working on a work permit must have letter of appointment from organization.
• Diplomats must have report order letter from the Embassy in Zimbabwe and a diplomatic ID card.
• Goods should be only household goods and personal effects in order to be duty free.
• Owners of the goods must be present during Customs clearance.
• Customs will inspect all shipments.
• Diplomats are exempt from duties.
• Diplomats and returning citizens who live 2 or more years abroad are exempt from duties.
• A duty exemption letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must be obtained for diplomatic shipments.

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

• Original registration card
• Certificate of ownership
• Change of residence certificate
• Copy of purchase invoice

Specific Information

• Taxes on vehicle will depend on age, power, etc. (100% to 110% CIF).
• The OBL must show the chassis number, engine number, cubic capacity, year of manufacture, brand, and model.

Pets

Documents Required

• Certificate of vaccination
• Zimbabwe veterinary health certificate
• Import license (from the Director of Veterinary Services)

Specific Information

• Permission from the Director of Veterinary Services is required prior to import.

Restricted/Dutiable Items

• Plants and seeds and animals (agricultural certificate and phytosanitary certificate are required from the Embassy)
• Medication
• Firearms and ammunitions (authorization from the territorial administration is required)
• Wine and spirits (2 L)
• Cigarettes (200)

Prohibited Items

• Narcotics
• Explosive materials
• Foreign soil
• Pornography, defamatory or obscene publications
• Cultural artifacts and other objects of cultural importance
• Henna
• Palm tree and any products thereof

Consignment Instructions

Recommended:  Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

Helpful Website(s):

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/zimbabwe.html

http://www.state.gov/p/af/ci/zi