Govt waives monthly import licences for basic household items

Source: Govt waives monthly import licences for basic household items – herald

Farirai Machivenyika-Senior Reporter

GOVERNMENT has exempted individuals from obtaining import licences for various basic commodities once a month, according to Statutory Instrument 59 of 2026, cited as Control of Goods (Import and Export) (Commerce) (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 (No. 15), which was published yesterday by Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu.

Apart from the exemption on the importation of basic commodities, the SI also set out measures to control the importation of second-hand clothes, with an outright ban on the importation of second-hand underwear.

Goods exempted are for personal use without an import licence, provided they don’t exceed set quantities. The goods include cooking oil (4 litres); sugar (4kg); cereals (2kg); jam (2kg); peanut butter (2kg); margarine (2kg) laundry bar soap (1 box of 24 bars); washing powder (4kg); one (1) blanket; fourpieces of cotton woven fabric; and body creams or petroleum jellies (1 case of 6).

The SI also says an import licence shall not be required for the importation of personal goods belonging to deceased estates (inheritance goods); diplomats based abroad, returning residents with immigrant status; and returning residents who have resided continuously outside Zimbabwe for a period of not less than six months.

On the importation of second-hand clothing, the minister said individuals had to obtain permits if the clothes were for charity.

“The importation of second-hand clothing is prohibited, except where the importer has obtained a valid permit authorising the importation for charitable purposes only, subject to such conditions as the Secretary may prescribe in writing to ensure the goods are for charitable distribution.

“The importation of second-hand undergarments is strictly prohibited under all circumstances,” reads part of the SI.

The SI also provides penalties for individuals who contravene its provisions.

“Any person who imports or exports goods in contravention of these regulations; makes a false statement in an application for a licence or sells a licence or permit issued in terms of these regulations; shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level 12 or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year, or to both such fine and such imprisonment,” Minister Ndlovu said.

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