Cargo crossing at the routinely congested border of Beitbridge between South Africa and Zimbabwe already appears to be slowing down following yesterday’s news that the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) had decided to charge VAT on transit fees and foreign-registered vehicles.
This emerged after the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) advised transporters and clearing agents of the decision taken by Zimra.
The collector said the applicable rate was 14.5% and would be effective from today, 23 September.
Freight representatives immediately responded to the news, with one telling Transit Assistance Bureau, Transist, that it meant “no VAT refunds for foreign hauliers”.
A Transist member indicated that the decision to charge extra VAT had caused extra issues today.
At the time of posting this report it was not certain what the situation was like on the border following the implementation of Zimra’s decision.
