The Zimbabwean government seems to be looking for cunning ways to make make money from its hapless citizens. Just these past few weeks we have seen such strange arrangements becoming the norm. Among these, we have an arrangement where the government has made it mandatory to blend petrol up to E20 leading to an increase in fuel prices. Then there is a deal in which Pomona dumping ground is now charging US$40 per truck leading to Harare City Council racking up thousands in debt. The government also hiked capital gains taxes for shares sold on the Zimbabwe stock exchange as well as a withdrawal tax. Now the government wants those importing second-hand vehicles to pay a US$150 inspection fee which is mandatory.

Roadworthiness Inspection for Used Vehicles for The Republic of Zimbabwe

Please be advised that the Zimbabwe Ministry of Industry and Commerce has appointed EAA Company Limited (EAA) as an accredited inspection company for a Pre-shipment Verification of Conformity (PVOC) program for the roadworthiness of used vehicles exported to the Zimbabwe from the 1st of June 2022.
All used vehicles arriving in Zimbabwe will require an EAA certificate of conformity (COC) to comply with import regulations on arrival at the Zimbabwe border (unless shipping documentation verifies the vehicle was shipped prior to the inspection commencement date of 1st of June 2022).
Pre-shipment inspections will commence in the following countries from the 1st of June 2022 Japan, United Kingdom, Singapore, South Africa, and United Arab Emirates.
Requirements for a valid EAA certificate Of compliance are:
– Vehicle age limits
•Cars. Motorcycles and light commercial less than 5 tonnes within 10 years (date of manufacture)
•Commercial vehicles 5 tonnes or more no age limit right-hand drive.
– Cars with tampered mileage are not allowed.
– Roadwonhiness Inspection Conform to Zimbabwe National Standards, and other International Standards
[Application and Inspection procedure]
(1) Please send through your booking via email (Please note that the inspection cannot be conducted where there are no vehicle documents)
(2) We will Email an invoice by return. AVI will confirm the inspection place, the vehicle details, and the date of inspection. etc after payment is received
(4) The inspection will be conducted as per details agreed
(5) After the inspection is completed. application will be processed and certificate issued if vehicle has passed. Turnaround time will be +/- 2 days until delivery of certificate
[Inspection charge – South Africa Inspection]
Inspection charge (A flat rate per unit. regardless of size or model)
Inspection fee (per unit)
ZAR2,310.00 plus VAT – (Including tax and Government administration fee)
[Inspection Start Date]
1st June 2022
A document detailing the new arrangement

The government hates it when people import cares

For some reason, the Zimbabwean government does not like it when people import cars. The reasons for this have never been clear. At times we have been told that second-hand vehicles are a waste of foreign currency and on other occasions, we have been told us buying Japanese second-hand cars is the reason why we don’t have a thriving local car industry. Never mind the fact that without financing options not many Zimbabweans would afford these cars anyway. In comparison, the government through its various arms is always looking for an excuse to buy cars by the bucket loads.