Import Cars from Japan & the UK to Zimbabwe

Your expert partner for sourcing and shipping cars and 4x4s directly to Durban, Walvis Bay, Maputo, or Dar es Salaam. We provide a seamless, all-inclusive service from start to finish.

We specialise in sourcing and exporting quality vehicles from Japan and the UK directly to Zimbabwe. Whether you need a prestige car or a reliable used vehicle, we handle every step of the import process, from sourcing and inspection to shipping and customs clearance in Harare.

Our Japan & UK Car Export Service for Zimbabwe – Step by Step

Car Sourcing & Selection

We source vehicles across Japanese and UK trade networks to find your perfect car at the best price. Our specialists advise on specifications, condition, and negotiate the best prices for you.

All prestige brands are available, including Mercedes, Range Rover, Porsche, Bentley, Aston Martin, Tesla, BMW, Jaguar, Audi, and more.

VAT Reclaim Service (UK Cars)

Save 20% with our VAT reclaim service. We source VAT-qualifying cars and reclaim VAT as part of our export service. This is the single biggest saving you can make when importing a UK car to Zimbabwe.

Expert Car Sourcing & Inspection

Bespoke sourcing across Japan and UK markets
Management of purchase and collection
Quality assessment and condition verification
Mileage verification and reports
EAA pre-shipment inspection (Zimbabwe compliance)

Car Shipping to Zimbabwe

At UK Roadrunner, we provide a fully managed Japan & UK to Zimbabwe car shipping service via Durban, Walvis Bay, Maputo, or Dar es Salaam, ensuring your vehicle is exported safely, professionally, and in full compliance with Zimbabwe import requirements.

Shipping to Multiple Ports:

Durban (South Africa): Primary port
Walvis Bay (Namibia): Alternative
Maputo (Mozambique): Alternative
Dar es Salaam (Tanzania): Alternative

Shipping Options:

RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off): Most economical option
Container shipping: 20ft or 40ft secure containers
CIF shipping: Complete delivery to destination port
FOB shipping: Delivery to UK departure port

Car Documentation & Clearance

We courier all original vehicle documents and high-value loose items to support smooth customs clearance in Zimbabwe. We send all required documents to your address or clearing agent.

Japan & UK to Zimbabwe Car Import – What You Need to Know

Overview: Vehicle Import Regulations

Zimbabwe permits vehicle imports from Japan, the UK, and other countries. Vehicles must be maximum 10 years old from date of manufacture. EAA pre-shipment inspection is mandatory. Right-hand drive vehicles are permitted. Import duty is charged based on engine capacity and vehicle age (surtax for vehicles 5+ years old). Returning residents receive duty exemptions. Licensed clearing agents are required for customs clearance.

Key Requirements:

Age restriction: Maximum 10 years old (commercial vehicles exempt)
Right-hand drive: Permitted (both RHD and LHD allowed)
EAA inspection: Mandatory pre-shipment inspection
Import license: Required for vehicles 10+ years old
Import duty: 25%-80% depending on engine capacity
Surtax: 25% additional for vehicles 5+ years old
VAT: 15% on adjusted value
Licensed clearing agent: Mandatory for customs clearance
Ports of entry: Durban, Walvis Bay, Maputo, Dar es Salaam

Zimbabwe Car Import Regulations & Requirements

Vehicle Eligibility:

Zimbabwe permits the importation of used vehicles from Japan, the UK, and other countries with strict age requirements.

Vehicle Age Restriction:

Maximum age: 10 years old from date of manufacture
Effective date: Enforced for all passenger vehicles
Exception: Commercial vehicles (tractors, haulage trucks, earth-movers, mining/construction vehicles) exempt from age restriction
Import license: Required for vehicles 10+ years old (non-commercial)
Verification required: Age verification documentation mandatory

Vehicle Age Surtax:

Vehicles less than 5 years old: No surtax
Vehicles 5-10 years old: 25% surtax on vehicle duty price (VDP)
Vehicles over 10 years old: Import license required (surtax applies)

Right-Hand Drive Approval:

Both permitted: Right-hand drive AND left-hand drive vehicles allowed
Exceptions: Ambulances and fire engines (special rules apply)
No restriction: Both steering wheel positions acceptable

EAA Pre-Shipment Inspection:

Mandatory: All vehicles must pass EAA inspection
Timing: Inspection conducted before shipment
Standard: Pre-shipment Verification of Conformity
Certificate required: EAA inspection certificate must accompany shipment
Requirement: Safety and environmental compliance

Vehicle Condition Requirements:

Structural soundness: Vehicle must be structurally sound
Functional: All major systems operational
General condition: Generally good overall condition
Roadworthiness: Must be fit for road use

Documents Required for Zimbabwe Car Import

Essential Pre-Shipment Documents (Japan/UK):

Commercial invoice/proof of purchase
Proof of ownership (registration book/title)
Insurance documentation
Vehicle identification (engine/chassis/VIN numbers)
Age verification (year of manufacture documentation)

For EAA Inspection:

Vehicle registration/ownership documentation
Inspection booking (arranged by exporter)
EAA inspection certificate
Pre-shipment Verification of Conformity

For Customs Clearance in Zimbabwe:

Private Importations (Form 49):

Invoice/agreement of sale
Police clearance (SARPCO Certificate if from Southern Africa)
Export bill of entry and supporting documents
Registration book (used vehicles)
Freight statement
Insurance statement
Customs declaration (Form 49)

Professional Importers (Form 47):

Invoice/agreement of sale
Police clearance (SARPCO Certificate if from Southern Africa)
Export bill of entry and supporting documents
Registration book (used vehicles)
Freight documents (Bill of Lading, shipping note)
Insurance documents
Customs declaration (Form 47)

For Vehicle Registration in Zimbabwe:

Customs Clearance Certificate
Police clearance
Proof of residence (utility bills)
National Identity Document
Bill of Entry
Form 49 Receipt (private) or Form 47 (professional)
Release Order

Import Duties & Taxes (Detailed Calculation)

Import Duty by Engine Capacity/Vehicle Type:

Light Passenger Vehicles, Station Wagons:

Engine capacity up to 1500cc: 40%
Engine capacity 1500-2000cc: 25%-40%
Engine capacity above 2000cc: 40%-80%

Non-Commercial Vehicles (General):

Duty rate: 60%-80% depending on specifications

Buses/Mini-buses:

Duty rate: 0%-60% depending on specifications

Commercial Vehicles (Exempt from age restrictions):

Tractors, haulage trucks, earth-movers
Mining and construction vehicles
No age limit, standard duty applies

Vehicle Duty Price (VDP) Calculation:

VDP = CIF Value + Import Duty
VDP used as basis for surtax and VAT calculations

Surtax (for vehicles 5+ years old):

Surtax = 25% of VDP
Additional charge on top of import duty

Value Added Tax (VAT):

Rate: 15% of (CIF + Import Duty + Surtax if applicable)

Traveller's Rebate (Duty Free Concession):

Reduction: USD200.00 from determined value
Applicable to personal imports
One member of family can claim (not aggregated)

Duty Exemptions & Concessions

Returning Residents:

Eligibility: Lived abroad 24+ months
Exemption: Duty-free import
Conditions: VAT still applies
Documentation: Proof of overseas residence required

Physically Handicapped Persons:

Exemption: Customs duty exempt
Still applies: VAT on all costs (vehicle, freight, insurance, transport)

Diplomats:

Exemption: Full exemption (duty and VAT)
Conditions: Official diplomatic status required

Temporary Import Permits (Tourists):

Eligibility: Non-Zimbabwean residents
Duration: Valid for specified period
Requirement: Must exit with vehicle
Types:
- TIP (Temporary Import Permit) for regular vehicles
- CTIP (Commercial Temporary Import Permit) for commercial use
- CVG (Commercial Vehicle Guarantee) required for commercial

Temporary Import Payments (Monthly):

Third Party Insurance: per month
Carbon Tax: per month
Road Access Fees: per entry

Triptyques and Carnets:

Exemption: No TIP required if holder has Triptyque/Carnet
Still required: Third party insurance, carbon tax, road access fees

Customs Clearance Process

The customs clearance process begins with pre-shipment requirements in Japan or the UK, including roadworthiness inspection and completion of the necessary export documentation before the vehicle is shipped to a regional port such as Durban, Walvis Bay, Maputo, or Dar es Salaam. Upon arrival, a licensed clearing agent registered with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) manages the submission of documents, vehicle inspection, valuation, and calculation of applicable duties and taxes. Once all payments are made and customs release is granted, the vehicle can be transported for final registration, after which Zimbabwean number plates and licensing are issued for legal road use.

Vehicle Registration in Zimbabwe

Registration Requirements:

Customs release documentation
Police clearance
Proof of residence (utility bills)
National Identity Document
Customs clearance certificate
Bill of Entry
Form 49 Receipt or Form 47
Release Order

Registration Process:

Collect all customs clearance documentation
Provide customs release papers
Complete registration application
Submit to ZIMRA registration office
Receive Zimbabwean number plates
Obtain vehicle licence.

Why Choose UK Roadrunner for Your Zimbabwe Car Import

Expert Japan & UK Sourcing:

With extensive experience sourcing from both Japan and the UK, we find exceptional-quality vehicles at the best prices.

Complete EAA Inspection Management:

We arrange and manage all pre-shipment EAA inspections, ensuring full compliance with Zimbabwe requirements before shipment.

VAT-Free Savings (20% on UK cars):

We specialise in sourcing VAT-qualifying cars and pass the full 20% VAT saving to you.

Transparent Cost Breakdown:

We provide detailed cost breakdowns showing import duty (25%-80%), surtax (if applicable), VAT (15%), and all additional charges upfront.

Multiple Port Options:

Choose from Durban, Walvis Bay, Maputo, or Dar es Salaam depending on your location and preference.

Trusted & Proven:

With satisfied customers and extensive Zimbabwe experience, you can trust us to deliver exceptional service.

Useful Resources

For the most up-to-date information on Zimbabwe car import regulations, procedures, and taxation, consult these official sources:

Zimbabwe Government Agencies:

Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) – Import duties, VAT, taxes, and vehicle registration
- e-TIP (online temporary import):
Ministry of Industry and Commerce – Import licences for 10+ year vehicles
Police (SARPCO) – Police clearance certificates for Southern African vehicles

Required Inspections:

EAA (East African Assessment) – Pre-shipment inspection certification
Pre-shipment Verification of Conformity

Ready to Import Your Car from Japan or the UK to Zimbabwe?

We specialise in sourcing, exporting, and shipping high-quality vehicles directly from Japan and the UK to Zimbabwe via Durban, Walvis Bay, Maputo, or Dar es Salaam. Contact UK Roadrunner today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our expert team will answer your questions about vehicle sourcing from Japan and the UK.

Get your free quote today and start your car import journey with UK Roadrunner. We'll handle everything from sourcing through delivery to Zimbabwe.