Albert Andiseni-Mashingaidze
The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has announced a grace period for vehicle owners to regularize their undeclared vehicles, from June 23 to July 31, vehicle owners with irregularly imported vehicles can approach their nearest ZIMRA offices for assistance without incurring penalties.
According to a public notice released on Sunday, ZIMRA emphasized the importance of this opportunity for vehicle owners who may have imported their vehicles without proper declaration. The notice stated.
“The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) is hereby inviting the public, companies or such other entities who may be in possession of vehicles not properly cleared through ZIMRA, to approach their nearest ZIMRA Regional Office to regularize the clearance and registration of such vehicles,” read the statement.
The authority outlined a broad range of irregular importation cases eligible for this regularization exercise. These include vehicles that were undervalued at the point of entry and those that did not pay their required duties such as surtax, smuggled vehicles and those imputed on temporary importation Permit (TIP).
“Irregular cases include vehicles that were undervalued or did not pay other duties items such as surtax, smuggled vehicles or imported on Temporary Importation Permit and where the permit was procedurally acquired or where the (TIP) has expired, cleared through a false claim to a rebate or suspension of duty or any violation of the Legislation governing the importation of vehicle,“ Noted ZIMRA.
The revenue collector clarified that while penalties and fines would be waived for all who voluntarily come forward within the stipulated time, all outstanding duties will still be payable.
“Note that penalties and fines will be waived on the voluntary disclosures.
The full duties including additional duties assessed and interest on any unpaid duties will remain due and payable.”
ZIMRA’s spokesperson added, ” is a chance for vehicle owners to rectify their situations without the burden of additional fines. We urge everyone to take this opportunity seriously and ensure compliance with the law.”
Vehicle owners in the Midlands are encouraged to gather their documentation and visit their local ZIMRA offices during the grace period to avoid any potential legal issues in the future.
