The high plateau of Zimbabwe is known for the diverse wildlife loping across its dramatic vistas, which includes Victoria Falls. Shared with Zambia, the Falls's combination of significant height and astounding length make it the world's largest waterfall.
Zimbabwe has encountered challenges establishing widespread e-commerce activity. However, communications and information technology are fast growing sectors of the Zimbabwean economy. And with 40% of Zimbabweans using the internet, e-commerce revenues are expected to climb at 27% per year until 2025.
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Zimbabwe through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Zimbabwe. In case you are an everyday shopper or a business,
you can easily save up to 50% on your international shipping costs by way of accessing our group buying power.
Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking information to Zimbabwe
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Apr 3, 2023
8:49 am
Mutare, MU, ZW
Delivered
Apr 2, 2023
7:18 am
Chitungwiza, CH, ZW
In transit
Apr 1, 2023
9:03 pm
Bulawayo, BU, ZW
International Clearance
Apr 1, 2023
8:14 am
Harare, HA, ZW
In transit
Apr 1, 2023
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
Mar 31, 2023
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan
Disclaimer!
While we have made every effort to ensure that the information on this page is accurate, Customs laws and procedures change regularly so it is
important to consult a licensed broker in Zimbabwe before shipping any goods.
Types of Shipments
Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will require different
paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
Residents of Zimbabwe are allowed to receive a shipped gift duty-free up to the value of $75* USD (about $95 CAD) provided:
The gift is unsolicited
There is no more than one shipment every 30 days
Does NOT contain alcoholic beverages
It cannot be commercial goods
*This value includes transportation fees.
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
Gift shipments to an individual in Zimbabwe from an individual in Canada may enter the country duty-free as long as it is not for commercial purposes, and:
The value of the shipment is no more than $75 USD (about $95 CAD), which includes shipping costs
It is NOT an alcoholic drink
The recipient has NOT requested the item
It is the only shipment in a 30-day period
Shipments from Business-to-Business
Gift shipments from a business in Canada to a business in Zimbabwe will incur duties and taxes regardless of the value of the gift.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
If a business in Canada ships a non-commercial gift to an individual in Zimbabwe, it will be allowed a duty-free entry into the country.
The conditions for a duty exemption include:
The gift is non-alcoholic
Value of the parcel is no more than $75 USD (about $95 CAD), inclusive of freight costs
It is a true gift, i.e. it has not been requested by the recipient
Only one shipment per 30 day period is allowed
Gift Checklist
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time
(see sample)
List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one individually.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Miguel ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Zimbabwe City 01001 Zimbabwe
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
CA
$79.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Gifts Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $79.99
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Multiple Gifts in One Shipment
A shipment with multiple gifts should have each gift wrapped and tagged separately.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Zimbabwe City 01001 Zimbabwe
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
CA
$39.99
1 Each
Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket
CA
$49.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Gifts Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $89.98
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Shipped personal effects will be admitted duty and VAT free into Zimbabwe provided:
The claimant is moving for work purposes or to take up permanent residence
The individual has lived outside of Zimbabwe for 24 months or more
The goods belong to the claimant and are for his or her personal use, or that of the family
NOTE: The exemption will be granted to an individual only once for each employment contract or for an immigrant coming to Zimbabwe for the first time.
Moving Temporarily
Students
Students shipping their personal effects to Zimbabwe will be allowed a duty- and VAT-free entry of their goods if they are registered in any educational institution in the country.
Non-students
Non-students who come to Zimbabwe for a temporary stay, but remain because of an employment contract or a permit to reside, will be allowed to ship their personal effects exempt from duties and VAT.
NOTE: The exemption may be claimed only once, and the shipment must arrive within 3 months of having been granted a residency permit.
Moving Permanently
Individuals and their families who move permanently to Zimbabwe will be allowed a duty- and VAT-free entry of their personal effects if:
The claimant has resided outside of the country for a minimum of 2 years
The items are the property of the individual (or that of his or her family), and only for their use
They have resident permit or an employment contract
NOTE: The exemption will be granted once for each employment contract; or in the case of immigration if it is the first application to move permanently.
Personal Effects Checklist
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Personal Effects' (see sample)
A detailed description of each item is provided
For those moving for employment or taking up residence, a proof of employment or a resident permit is required
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Zimbabwe City 01001 Zimbabwe
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
5 Pairs
Personal Effects: 5 pairs of various types of shoes
IN
$40.00
1 Each
Personal Effects: Arc'terix Winter Jacket
CA
$478.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Personal Effects Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $678.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Food, Chocolate, Candies
Zimbabwean customs officials place restrictions on a number of agricultural goods, plant products as well as sugar, milk (powder and liquid), and biscuits.
NOTE: All shipments of foodstuffs entering Zimbabwe are subject to an inspection; there may be delays clearing goods.
You May Ship
Chocolate
Candy
Do Not Ship
Perishable items - produce, meat, fish
Food, Chocolate, Candies Checklist
Clearly indicate 'Food' on the commercial invoice in the General Description or Remarks section (see sample)
Ensure that your food, chocolate, or candies may be imported into the country
You are not shipping commercial quantities (for any duty & tax exemption)
Check with your carrier that they will accept food shipments
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
Ship To
Invoice
Miguel ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Zimbabwe City 01001 Zimbabwe
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Box
Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)
CA
$20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Permanent / Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Samples
Samples are sent abroad for the purposes of promoting products or soliciting sales.
Commercial samples shipped to Zimbabwe for display at an exhibition or a trade fair will be granted a duty-free exemption if they stay no longer than 1 year* in the country.
The shipment may require a guarantee from an insurance company, commercial bank, or with a cash deposit.
*An extension may be granted with a request to customs officials.
Commercial Sample Checklist
A Commercial Invoice must be included with your shipment
Clearly indicate 'Commercial Samples' on the commercial invoice in the General Description & Detailed Description of Goods (see sample)
The item shipped has tearing, perforation, slashing, defacing, or has permanent marking clearing indicating the item as commercial sample
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
Ship To
Invoice
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Zimbabwe City 01001 Zimbabwe
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
CA
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Promotional Material Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Repairs
Goods - machinery and equipment - from Zimbabwe that are repaired in Canada outside of a warranty obligation will incur no duty on the cost of the repairs when they are returned to Zimbabwe.
No charge warranty repairs, however, will be allowed a total duty-free return to Zimbabwe.
Items Under Warranty
Equipment and machinery sent to Canada for warranty repairs done at no charge will be allowed a duty-free re-entry into Zimbabwe.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
Goods repaired in Canada that are no longer under warranty will be liable to Zimbabwean duty fees on the cost of the repair work.
Sending Product for Repair to Zimbabwe
There is no information available at this time concerning products shipped to Zimbabwe from Canada for repairs.
Returning Repaired Product to Zimbabwe
Equipment repaired in Canada will incur duties on the cost of repairs only when the item is returned to Zimbabwe. However, if the work was done at no charge as part of a warranty, no customs duties will be applied.
Repair Checklist
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the General Description or Remarks, and include the estimated time of return
(see sample)
Include repair contract with shipment
Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under the Detailed Description of Goods section
Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the item was first exported to Zimbabwe or exported to Canada (depending on which case applies)
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Zimbabwe City 01001 Zimbabwe
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
US
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Warranty Repair Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Temporary Imports
Goods of a temporary nature may be imported into Zimbabwe exempt from duties. A duty exemption requires the following conditions:
The items stay in Zimbabwe no more than 1 year
A guarantee is provided by a commercial bank, insurance company, or with a cash deposit
Temporary imports may include items such as:
Commercial samples
Advertising materials
Equipment required for a concert or stage production
Machinery or equipment for contract work in Zimbabwe
Scientific instruments and apparatuses for educational or research purposes
Books from an international library to an individual for research purposes
Television equipment
ATA Carnets
Zimbabwe does not recognise ATA Carnets for the temporary importation of goods.
Temporary Imports Checklist
Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods.
(see sample)
The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
Stay no longer than the period listed above
Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received within the country (whichever applies)
Any above listed items not listed in this checklist
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Zimbabwe City 01001 Zimbabwe
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 box
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment
CA
$1032.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Temporary Imports Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Permanent/Sold Goods
All sold goods shipped to Zimbabwe will incur duties and VAT regardless of their value. (There is no threshold or de minimis value below which no duties or VAT are collected.)
Occasional Shipper
Occasional shipments of sold items, for example by using eBay, either to an individual or corporation will be liable to duty and tax fees.
Regular shipper
To ensure all importation regulations are completed correctly, we recommend regular shippers of sold goods to Zimbabwe use a locally licenced customs broker.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
Ship To
Invoice
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Zimbabwe City 01001 Zimbabwe
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
15 Each
Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
CA
$132.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Permanent/Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Required Documents
Shipping packages internationally requires a lot of documentation. This process alone can be confusing and time-consuming.
So we’ve narrowed down what documents you might need and ranked them based on likeliness of being needed.
Document Type
When?
Details
Shipping Label / Bill of Lading
Always required
This is a label provided by the carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.). Always required because the carrier needs to know the parcel's destination.
Commercial Invoice
Required for all non-document shipments
For all non-document shipments, you will require 3 copies of the commercial invoice (to be included with your shipping labels).
These are for customs purposes and need to be included inside a document pouch outside of the box.
When creating a shipment through the Secureship website, the system will help you create this document automatically.
B13a
Required if value exceeds $2,000 per shipment or is a controlled good
A B13a is required if your shipment exceeds $2000 CAD or is a controlled good
and is destined to a country other than the US, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands
Canada has a preferential trade agreement with Zimbabwe. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Zimbabwe, it will incur a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Infrequently required
Shows that the shipment has been insured.
Banks may request a certificate of insurance when providing letters of credit for the goods. Otherwise,
it is generally your choice whether to purchase insurance for the shipment.
ATA Carnet
Infrequently required
Used to avoid duties and taxes on shipments of temporary nature.
If you ship goods of temporary nature to and from a country, you can obtain an ATA Carnet to expedite the customs clearance process and
ensure that anything of temporary nature is not charged duties and taxes.
No specific form required, but generally includes information regarding:
The exporter, importer and transport company
Date of issue
Number of freight invoice
Type and number of packages
Contents of each package
Marks and numbers
Net weight, gross weight and measurements of each package
Prohibited & Restricted Imports
Goods listed as prohibited will not be allowed to enter Zimbabwe whereas those on the restricted list may enter the country but will either be limited in quantity or require a licence.
Prohibited Items
Obscene or pornographic materials and goods
Knives with a lockable blade or those known as flick knives
Creams that lighten skin and contain mercury or hydroquinone
Forged or counterfeit currency and coins
Goods made in a penitentiary or by prisoners
Any alcoholic beverage containing essences, extracts, or harmful chemicals
Materials or goods that may corrupt morals of Zimbabweans
Restricted Items
Foodstuffs such as sugar, biscuits, and milk (powder and liquid)
The amount of duty and taxes owed on imports entering Zimbabwe is calculated on the CIF value of the shipment. The CIF value is the sum of the customs value plus insurance amount plus freight costs.
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs
If you were to calculate the CIF of your shipment to Zimbabwe before sending it, you will have an estimate of the duty and taxes the recipient will incur.
Thresholds
There are no thresholds on imported goods entering Zimbabwe. Also known as a de minimis value, this means that all goods will be liable to duty and VAT regardless of their value.
Currency
Zimbabwe dollar (ZWL)
Duty Exemption (De minimis Value)
N/A
Duty Calculation Method
CIF
TAX (VAT)
14.5%
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
N/A
Tax Calculation Method
CIF
Duties on Imports
Other Taxes
Footwear, clothing, and certain foodstuffs will incur a 25% surtax.
Excise duties on cigarettes, energy drinks, and alcoholic drinks. Details can be found
here
Candy40% or $1 USD/kg, whichever is higher
Chocolate40%
Spirits and winesVariable
Tobacco25% + $5* USD/100 sticks
Books0%
Documents0%
Video games & consoles40%
Computers & laptops0%
Tablets0%
Mobiles25%
Cameras5%
Accessories for Electronics0%
Coats40% + $3* USD/kg
Beauty products & cosmetics40%
Jewellery15%
Shirts & pants40% + $3* USD/kg
Home appliances30% - 60%
Toys40%
Sports equipment25%
*$5 USD is about $6.50 CAD; $3 USD is about $4 CAD
You can purchase
insurance
through Secureship and it is provided by the carrier that will be transporting your shipment.
Each carrier will charge a different amount per $100 of declared insurance. If you indicate that you need insurance for your shipment our system will automatically include the insurance costs for your shipment.
Insurance is great to have in case your package is accidentally lost or damaged by the carrier. But be careful, not everything you ship is insurable. Worse - even if your package contains items that are insurable, if it doesn’t meet the ISTA 3A packaging standard, the insurance purchased through the carrier would not be available to you.
Here are some items that cannot be insured by the carrier:
Personal belongings
Antiques
Artwork
Liquids (including alcohol)
Televisions
Jewellery in excess of $500
Perishable goods
Glass or Ceramic
And many more items
For more information, please see the carrier's terms and conditions.
Shipping to Zimbabwe from Canada can take between 3-5 business days through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform.
More economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 1-2 months to complete the delivery.
