Vehicle Import Duty Calculator
Estimate duty, surtax and VAT on a vehicle imported into Zimbabwe. Based on Customs and Excise tariff schedules — engine capacity, fuel type and age drive the rate.
Vehicle and value details
Use the CIF value (Cost, Insurance, Freight) on the bill of entry.
Returning resident? A genuine returning resident may import one vehicle on rebate (subject to conditions on length of absence and ownership). This calculator shows the full taxable position; rebates apply on top.
How the calculation builds up
Customs Value (CIF)
Cost of the vehicle abroad + insurance + freight to the Zimbabwean port of entry. This is the customs value.
Apply Customs Duty
Rate is set by tariff heading: passenger cars run 25–86% depending on engine capacity; pickups can be 0–25%.
Duty = CIF × Duty rate
Add Surtax (older vehicles)
Vehicles 5+ years old attract a 35% surtax on (CIF + Duty).
Add VAT
VAT @ 15.5% applies to (CIF + Duty + Surtax). VAT is the last layer.
Pay before clearance
Duties are payable in foreign currency for vehicles on the prescribed list. ZIMRA issues a clearance certificate; ZINARA, VID and the central registry will not register the car without it.
Indicative passenger-car rates
| Engine capacity | Duty | Surtax (5y+) | VAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| ≤ 1500cc petrol | 25% | 35% | 15.5% |
| 1501 – 2000cc petrol | 40% | 35% | 15.5% |
| 2001 – 2500cc | 60% | 35% | 15.5% |
| 2501 – 3000cc | 60% | 35% | 15.5% |
| > 3000cc | 86% | 35% | 15.5% |
Pickups, single cabs (<1.4t payload) and electric vehicles attract concessional or zero-duty positions under current tariff. Always verify against the latest Customs Tariff Handbook before clearing.
Statutory anchors
- Customs and Excise Act [Chapter 23:02]
- Customs & Excise (Tariff) Notice — current SI
- VAT Act [Chapter 23:12] — importation provisions
- ZIMRA Public Notices on motor-vehicle valuation lists