Zimbabwe Bans 10-Year-Old Used Motor Vehicle Imports in Bid to Curb Smuggling

In an effort to curb smuggling and address traffic congestion in the country, the Zimbabwean Government has announced an amendment to its Control of Goods (Import and Export) (Commerce) Regulations, 1974.

The importation of used motor vehicles over ten years old will be prohibited effective immediately, except in certain circumstances, such as for diplomats, returning residents, and deceased estates.

The Minister of Industry and Commerce, in a statement accompanying the amendment, noted that the ban was necessary to address the growing problem of used car smuggling, which has resulted in a flood of old and often unsafe vehicles on Zimbabwean roads.