Buying a car, though exciting, is a very important decision not to be taken lightly. One needs to tread cautiously to avoid making losses. Here are some of the things you need to consider as well as some steps you can take towards purchasing your vehicle.
Know your budget
At the onset, one needs to think about their finances. Have you saved up for your dream car? Are you buying a car based on the money you have available? Are you applying for a loan? How you are financing the purchase of the car will determine what type of car you can buy.
Ideally one must not think of purchasing the car as their only expense. There are other costs like registering the car, transporting it if you’re importing, paying for a mechanic to assess it if buying a used car, etc.
The long term cost of maintaining the car also contributes to the decision making process. It wouldn’t be beneficial for one to apply for a loan to buy a certain car and then fail to afford the services and spare parts needed for its upkeep. Sometimes money is not the main decision making factor. Availability of spare parts in your city and the condition of the roads (especially in Zimbabwe) are other factors one might have to look at.
Identify a seller
There are three main options when one is identifying a seller:
- Importing
- Brand new
- Used
Importing a car into Zimbabwe
The first step to importing a vehicle into Zimbabwe is knowing the rules and regulations. Educating yourself about any bans (like the ban on vehicles 10 years and older) and documentation required would be helpful in selecting a suitable vehicle.
It is possible to import a car from any part of the world into Zimbabwe. One may import one from overseas using websites like BeForward, SBImotor, etc. These sites have loads of used cars and one has to identify the one they like and speak to a sales agent. If satisfied you make a payment and pay for shipping and then collect it at its port of entry (Durban Port, Walvis Bay, Beira, Dar es Salaam) before proceeding to get it through the Zimbabwean border. If one wants to avoid the tedious process of talking to agents or clearing the car at the port of entry, one can engage an agent to assist with the processes. There are many people that offer this service in Zimbabwe.
Another option is buying a car in a neighbouring country like South Africa or Botswana and some people go as far as Namibia. There are options to buy both used and brand new vehicles. It is important to ensure that you engage reputable dealers with trackable success in the business. After the purchase one can then drive the car and bring it into Zimbabwe through the border.
Declaration of the vehicle
Upon arrival at the Zimbabwean border, one would need to clear their vehicle and this involves having it accessed and paying any fees and taxes. This is done by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA). The process starts with declaring the particulars relating to the vehicle. A declaration on Form 47 (ZIMRA Customs Declaration Form) should be completed giving all the necessary information as required. This form requires information about the importer, the vehicle and a declaration of the value of the vehicle which should match the selling price on the invoice or agreement of sale. ZIMRA takes it as an offence to declare false information.
Documentation required
The following documents are required to be produced on importation:-
- Invoice/agreement of sale
- Police clearance – SARPCO Certificate (when imported from a country in Southern Africa
- Export bill of entry and supporting documents
- Registration book (in the case of used motor vehicles)
- Freight statement
- Insurance statement
Valuation of the vehicle
ZIMRA will also do a valuation of the car (in accordance with Part X of the Customs and Excise Act [Chapter 23.02]). In valuing used motor vehicles, ZIMRA considers, but is not limited to the following;
- The open market value of similar or identical vehicles sold on the same market at the same commercial level to unrelated parties
- The values already accepted for similar/identical vehicles
- The current condition of the vehicle being imported.
Vehicles that are acquired by other means other than purchase (such as gifts) are also subject to valuation in order to determine their values.
The valuation process undertaken by ZIMRA is intended to ensure that there is no under-or over-valuation of goods. If a client is not satisfied with the value established through this valuation process, he/she may appeal and seek a value ruling through the office of the Station Manager or the respective Regional Manager.
Individuals who personally import their vehicles are entitled to the traveller’s rebate if they qualify for such. The effect of this is that the determined value is reduced by USD200.00 to give the effective value for duty purposes.
Calculation of duty
The vehicle will need to pay duty. The duty is calculated based on the Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) value plus other incidental charges and expenses incurred in the purchase of the vehicle and its subsequent transportation up to the first point of entry into Zimbabwe.
This CIF value and the other charges constitute what is known as the Value for Duty Purposes (VDP). Such other charges include, among other things, and where applicable:
- Port handling charges, e.g. at Durban Port, Walvis Bay, Beira, Dar es Salaam;
- Storage charges; and
- Any other special handling fees, if not already included in the CIF Value.
The charges that are levied are Customs duty, Surtax and Value Added Tax (VAT). The surtax is only charged on passenger type motor vehicles that are more than five (5) years old at the time of importation. Please note that both Customs duty and Surtax (where applicable) are calculated on the Value for Duty Purposes (VDP). VAT is calculated on the total of VDP plus the calculated Customs duty payable. This value is known as the Value for Tax Purposes (VTP). Passenger motor vehicles more than five years old are charged a surtax at a rate of 35%. There is an online calculator that can help you calculate your duty.
ZIMRA also has a suspension of duty on motor vehicle imports by the physically handicapped. This is a waiver of Customs Duty and Surtax. Value Added Tax (VAT) is payable at a rate of 15% based on the value of the motor vehicle plus freight, insurance and any other charges incurred before delivery of the vehicle to Zimbabwe. However, when claims this privilege the vehicle cannot be disposed of (sold, given away etc.) for 5 years.
Registering the car
After successful declaration and duty payment, one can drive the car home and look into registering the car. This is also done by ZIMRA and they advise that you bring two sets of the following documents, one being the original set and the other being photocopies:
- Customs Clearance Certificate (CCC)
- Form 49 payment receipt/ Form 21 – Bill of entry plus release order.
- Valid electronic police clearance (NB. it expires after 14 days).
- Proof of residence for the applicant which is not more than three months from the date of issue.
- Photocopy of national identity document for the person whose name appears on the CCC.
- Valid Motor Vehicle Insurance.
- Where the owner does not present themselves at the time of registration, an affidavit authorising the registration of the vehicle on their behalf, or an appointed agent to carry out the process on their behalf is required.
- Valid ZIMRA stamped Clearing Agent identity card – this applies to clearing agents appointed by the owner of the vehicle to undertake the registration on their behalf.
- In the case of companies for commercial vehicles, certificate of incorporation and a valid tax clearance certificate (ITF263) or payment of presumptive tax.
- In the case of an application for red on white number plates, Road Operators’ Licence issued by the Ministry of Transport and payment of presumptive tax.
- Tax invoice in the case where the motor vehicle was bought from a motor vehicle dealer such as Willowvale Mazda Motor Industry and other dealers.
Buying a brand new car in Zimbabwe
Buying a brand new car has less tedious processes compared to the previous option of importing one. It involves going to the dealer of choice and identifying a vehicle and then making the purchase. One of the advantages of choosing some reputable local car dealers is that they offer after-sales services. Some give complimentary car services and guarantee that the parts they source are genuine.
After purchasing the car one can go ahead and register the vehicle and pay licenses.
Buying a used car in Zimbabwe.
Another option is buying a used vehicle in the country. Used cars can be bought from different sellers. One can buy from a registered dealership or from an individual. Each seller has its own advantages and disadvantages. Registered dealerships are more reliable because they can be held accountable. There are fewer chances of having your money stolen as they have physical addresses or official places of work. Yet their vehicles are bound to be costly as they tend to buy them off their owners and sell at a profit.
One may choose to buy from an individual. It could be someone you know or a stranger on a classifieds website. This option may need a lot of documentation to avoid issues like fraud. The parties would have to sign an agreement of sale as formal documentation that the vehicle has been sold. An advantage of buying from an individual is that there is room for negotiation.
An important thing to consider is getting an expert or car mechanic to inspect the car. It’s hard to tell with the naked eye and without a knowledge of mechanics if the vehicle is in good condition or not. If satisfied with the vehicle and a purchase is made the next step is a change of ownership.
Change of ownership
Change of ownership is done with the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR) and the following documents must be produced:-
- Application form (CVR4)
- Most recent previous owner’s registration book
- VAT Certificate issued by ZIMRA
- Police clearance/CVR clearly shown on the CVR4 form
- Copy of Insurance Policy Document
- Photocopy of acceptable personal identification in the form (e.g. Zimbabwe
- National Identity Card, Zimbabwe Driver’s License, valid Zimbabwe Passport)
- Proof of residence in the form of an Electricity Bill, Bank Statement, etc.
- Payment of fees through Zimpost and selected Municipality offices.
- Selected Agents: Zimpost Offices and cities of Bulawayo and Harare
- Application fee of USD160.00
Vehicle licensing in Zimbabwe
After purchasing and registering all vehicles, new, imported or used, all cars need to be licensed. This is done through ZINARA (Zimbabwe National Road Administration) the authorized vehicle licensing board. Zimpost (the Zimbabwe postal service) is an authorized agent for ZINARA.
For new vehicle licensing the following items are required:
- Original vehicle registration book
- Photocopy of registration book (back to back)
- MVLIC(2012/03) forms which can be obtained and filled off at the post office
Vehicles are licensed according to weight.
DISCLAIMER: These are the processes one may go through when buying a vehicle in Zimbabwe. This post serves as a guideline for those who are seeking information on the processes of buying a vehicle. Prices may vary and procedures may also change over time.