ZIMRA Blitz on Imported Goods Causes Travel Chaos at South Africa Border

Cross-border travellers sit next to a pile of goods awaiting ZIMRA duty verification at Beitbridge border on April 12, 2026

Cross-border travellers and traders are facing lengthy delays at Beitbridge Border Post after Zimbabwe Revenue Authority officers intensified searches of bus luggage to enforce a US$200 personal rebate cap, with some buses held up for more than eight hours.

Traveller Talent Goronga said the searches were thorough and at times distressing for passengers who arrived unprepared for duty demands.

“ZIMRA is slapping duty on everything, even perfumes. I felt sorry for one woman who was bringing goods worth R10,000 and she had no money for duty demanded by ZIMRA. They took her goods,” Goronga said.

He added that the crackdown extended beyond the border post itself, with buses intercepted further along the route.

“I saw several buses being turned back to the border after they reached a checkpoint at Bubi and were told the goods were not properly declared,” he said. “My advice to our brothers and sisters in South Africa is to familiarise themselves with ZIMRA’s new duty demands otherwise they will just lose their goods.”

Fellow traveller Blessing Hungwe said he spent more than 24 hours at the border. Couriered goods appeared to attract particular scrutiny.

“ZIMRA were seizing goods from buses which had no owners among the passengers. These would be goods given to the bus company to courier to Zimbabwe. They particularly don’t want to see furniture, unless you’re a returning resident,” Hungwe said.

In a public notice on Monday evening, ZIMRA said border processes were being strengthened to improve efficiency and promote fair trade, reiterating that the personal travellers’ rebate stands at US$200 per person per calendar month.

The authority said goods exceeding that threshold are liable for duty on the excess value, while bulk goods intended for resale must be declared as commercial consignments and cleared through licensed agents.

ZIMRA added that commercial consignments valued below US$1,000 can be duty-paid directly at its counters, though it encouraged the use of clearing agents to allow for pre-clearance and reduce border delays.

Travellers were urged to declare goods accurately and utilise pre-clearance facilities before arrival. *Zimlive*