Zimbabwe introduces new import and export licences

The Zimbabwean ministry of industry and commerce has introduced new import and export licences with special security features on selected goods as a way of curbing rampant corruption and smuggling through the country’s border points, according to the Zimbabwean Herald.

It said industry and commerce minister Mike Bimha told Parliamentarians last week that local industry was being negatively affected by cheap imports into the country, some of which were being smuggled through the country’s borders. “There are a number of fake import and export permits in the country, which is affecting our industry. As a consequence, my ministry has given a directive that all import and export licenses have to be renewed so that new ones can be issued that have special security features,” he said.

He also said his ministry was also working on a number of interventions to protect local industry, adding that the government would support local manufacturers by way of removing duty on raw materials.

The minister added that they were also looking at reviewing tariffs and duties with a view to restricting some imports coming into the country. The reviewing of duties would not be a once-off exercise but would continue in consultation with local industry. “We have meetings with industry on a regular basis where we discuss tariffs and we make the policy recommendations based on these meetings,” he said.