Zimbabweans can now import the following basic household items without an import licence
Zimbabweans can now import the following basic household items without an import licence
> 1. Cooking oil – 4 litres
> 2. Sugar – 4 kg
> 3. Cereals – 2 kg
> 4. Jam – 2 kg
> 5. Peanut butter – 2 kg
> 6. Margarine – 2 kg
> 7. Laundry bar soap – 1 box (24 bars)
> 8. Washing powder – 4 kg
> 9. Blanket – 1
> 10. Cotton woven fabric – 4 pieces
> 11. Body creams or petroleum jellies – 1 case (6 units)
The Government of Zimbabwe has announced that individuals will no longer be required to obtain import licences for certain essential household items on a monthly basis, according to Statutory Instrument (SI) 59 of 2026.
The regulations, titled Control of Goods (Import and Export) (Commerce) (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 (No. 15), were published yesterday by the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Mangaliso Ndlovu.
Under the new measures, individuals may import specified quantities of basic commodities for personal use without a licence.
The exempted items 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 blanket, four pieces of cotton woven fabric, and a case of six body creams or petroleum jellies.
The SI also provides exemptions for personal goods imported as part of deceased estates, for diplomats returning from abroad, and for residents returning to Zimbabwe after living continuously outside the country for at least six months.
Regarding second-hand clothing, the regulations maintain restrictions.
The importation of second-hand clothes is only permitted with a valid permit for charitable purposes.
Importing second-hand undergarments is strictly prohibited under all circumstances.
Minister Ndlovu further outlined penalties for non-compliance, stating:
“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 under these regulations shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level 12, imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year, or both.”
The government says the move is intended to streamline access to essential commodities while controlling the importation of second-hand items and ensuring compliance with import regulations.
