ZIMRA Moves to Discourage Imports by Individuals

By Nhau Mangirazi

Harare – Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has quickly moved in to stop people from importing large quantities of various good by slapping punishing duty on goods that exceed what they permit per person.

The government recently allowed people with free funds to import goods to offset the current shortages. But ZIMRA has stipulated that only four items of any product can be imported per person without paying duty. Those wanting to bring in cooking oil can only import five litres duty-free.

This will affect those who might have wanted to import large quantities of food or other goods for Christmas. People here said they were unhappy with the decision by ZIMRA.

Zimbabwe is experiencing shortages of most basic goods due to a lack of foreign currency. In 2007/8 the country went through similar hardships which only ended in 2009 when a Government of National Unity (GNU) was formed. It stabilized the political and economic situation.