Buying a car in South Africa for Zimbabwe: The costs to know

Buying a car in South Africa for use in Zimbabwe may appear attractive to motorists looking for a particular model.

However, there are some factors and costs to consider before purchasing a car.

Zimbabweans importing vehicles must account for customs duties, taxes, transport, documentation and registration costs before putting their cars on the road.

Zimbabwe car imports: The 10-year rule

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) prohibits the importation of second-hand vehicles that are 10 years old or older, subject to specific exemptions.

Under Statutory Instrument 54 of 2024, the restriction applies from the date of manufacture.

ZIMRA subsequently outlined exemptions for qualifying returning residents, diplomats, inherited vehicles and certain classic cars, among other categories.

Buyers should therefore confirm whether a vehicle qualifies for importation before paying a South African dealership or private seller.

ZIMRA duties and taxes add to the bill

Import duties and taxes can substantially increase the cost of buying a car in South Africa for use in Zimbabwe.

The amount payable depends on the vehicle’s classification, customs value, age and applicable tax rates.

ZIMRA also reserves the right to reassess a vehicle’s declared value if it does not reflect its bona fide open-market value.

This means buyers should not assume that the price stated on a sales invoice will automatically determine their final customs bill.

Importers should obtain a vehicle-specific assessment from ZIMRA or a qualified clearing agent before committing to a purchase.

Car transport and clearing costs from South Africa to Zimbabwe

Buyers must also budget for transporting the vehicle from South Africa to Zimbabwe, whether they drive it across the border or use a vehicle transporter.

ZIMRA lists several documents required when importing a vehicle, including the invoice or sale agreement, police clearance through the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (SARPCCO) for vehicles imported from within Southern Africa, export documentation, the vehicle registration book, and freight and insurance statements.

Any applicable clearing-agent charges, temporary storage fees and other administrative costs should also be confirmed in advance.

Is buying a car in South Africa cheaper?

The answer depends on the vehicle and the total landed cost in Zimbabwe.

A lower South African purchase price does not necessarily translate into savings once import duties, taxes, transport and registration are included.

Prospective buyers should compare the final cost of importing a specific vehicle with the price of an equivalent vehicle already available in Zimbabwe.

Before making a payment, they should also verify the vehicle’s year of manufacture, ownership documents and eligibility for importation.

Ultimately, the most useful comparison is not simply what a car costs in South Africa, but how much it costs to get it legally registered and ready for use in Zimbabwe.