BEFORE IMPORTING ANYTHING PLEASE READ ME

Alright, so you want to bring some Chinese goods into Zim, eh? Don’t get your magetsi (that’s electricity, and also your plans) cut short by those customs guys. Here’s the full 411, step-by-step, from yours truly.

Top 10 Tips for Hustling Imports from China to Zim

1. Know Your Level: Understand the difference between personal and commercial importing.
2. Become Legit: Register as an importer with ZIMRA and get your TIN number, linking you to ZIMRA.
3. Register with ASYCUDA World: You might need to activate your TIN for customs, as ZIMRA handles domestic taxes, but importing is a separate business.
4. Paperwork is King (or Queen): Some goods need permits, so check with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
5. Get Your Docs in Order: Ensure you have all the necessary paperwork, including the Bill of Entry, Commercial Invoice, and Bill of Lading.
6. More Required Documents: Value declaration forms, consignment notes, freight statements, cargo manifests, and insurance statements may also be necessary.
7. Additional Documents: Certificates of origin, port charge invoices, original permits and licenses, rebate letters, and import/agent worksheets might be needed.
8. Customs and Mari (Money) Matters: ZIMRA will assess your duty, VAT, and other taxes, calculated on the CIF value up to the Zimbabwe border.
9. Clearing Agents and Payment: Clearing agents submit documents through ASYCUDA, and a 10% informal cross-border trader tax applies without a tax clearance. Pay duties via bank deposit.
10. Collect Your Stash: Collect your goods or arrange for delivery. Finito! Also, avoid common mistakes like using the wrong HS codes, undervaluing goods, missing permits, and going solo instead of using a clearing agent.

Please note that this is not a definitive list but instead a guide to understanding that importing is not that simple but its simple when you do what is necessary!