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The importation and exportation of some goods and substances is only possible after obtaining and subsequent production of a requisite permit or licence from the relevant Ministry. However; for some products, the importation or exportation is prohibited.

The Zimbabwe revenue Authority (Zimra) has the responsibility of enforcing the control of these import and export restrictions and prohibitions.

These controls are used by the Government in the interest of the public and are meant to protect the civil society against:

• Dangerous and harmful drugs
• Pornographic, objectionable or undesired materials
• Hazardous substances harmful substances which include skin lightening creams, soaps and lotions
• Expired drugs

Some of the controls are meant to:

• Protect local industry
• Conserve foreign currency
• Maintain export standards
• Protect intellectual property rights like trademarks, copyrights, designs and patents
• Political reasons

Some of the restrictions are placed to protect the environment against adverse effects on flora and fauna and extinction of endangered species.

Restricted goods

These are goods which are subject to import or export controls. These goods may only be imported or exported under licence or permit. Examples include the following:

• Agricultural produce
• Plants and plant products
• Firearms and ammunition
• Wildlife and wildlife products
• Currency
• Relics and national monuments
• Stills and all apparatus or parts of apparatus capable of being used for the production or refining of alcohol.

Importation or Exportation of Restricted Goods

The importation or exportation of goods can only be done under a relevant permit or licence.

Find below the most common restricted goods and the respective authorities that authorise:

Prohibited Goods

These are goods whose importation or exportation is absolutely prohibited or banned. These include:

• Flick knives/lockable blades
• Pornographic material
• Skin lightening creams containing hydroquinone and mercury
• Base, counterfeit of forged coins or currency
• Prison made and penitentiary made goods
• Spirituous beverages which contain preparations, extracts, essences or chemical products which are noxious or injurious
• Any goods which are indecent, obscene or objectionable
• Any goods that might tend to deprave the morals of the inhabitants or any class of the inhabitants of Zimbabwe
• Any goods the importation of which is prohibited by or under the authority of ant enactment.

Disclaimer

This article was compiled by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority for information purposes only. Zimra shall not accept responsibility for loss or damage arising from use of material in this article and no liability will attach to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority.

• Please visit the Zimra stand at the Harare Agricultural Show to get more information on Customs and Taxes matters.