Zimbabwe Government widens car import ban
By P.Chari
THE Government has widened the ban on the importation of second-hand vehicles that are 10 years or older from the date of manufacture, to include those designed to carry 10 people or more, among other categories.
The ban is contained in Statutory Instrument 59 of 2026, cited as the Control of Goods (Import and Export) (Commerce) (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 (No. 15), recently gazetted by Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu.
“Second-hand vehicles aged 10 years and above from the date of manufacture classified under headings specified in the Second Schedule shall not be imported,” reads part of the SI.
Vehicles listed in the Second Schedule include those principally designed to carry people, such as station wagons and racing cars, as well as double cabs (diesel or semi-diesel) and twin cabs (petrol).
The regulations also cover vehicles for the transport of goods powered by compression ignition internal combustion piston engines with a payload not exceeding 800kg, as well as similar vehicles with a payload exceeding 800kg but not more than 1 400kg.
Minister Ndlovu said, notwithstanding any administrative delays or pending processes with other statutory authorities, no import licence will be issued for vehicles that fall under the ban.
“Notwithstanding any administrative delays or processes pending with any other statutory authority, no import licence shall be issued for motor vehicles referred to in subsection 1 (those that are 10 years or older and listed in the second schedule),” reads the SI.
He added that any vehicle imported in contravention of the regulations must be re-exported by the owner at their own expense.
“If any second-hand motor vehicle is not re-exported within 60 days, such vehicle shall be deemed forfeited to the State subject to the provisions of the Customs and Excise Act,” he said.
However, the regulations provide exemptions for certain categories, including vehicles inherited from deceased estates, those belonging to diplomats returning to Zimbabwe from foreign postings, and vintage vehicles as defined in the Vehicle Registration and Licensing Act.
