Second-hand clothes ‘Mabhero’ imports ban legislated

Second-hand clothes ‘Mabhero’ imports ban
THE Government has gazetted regulations banning second-hand clothing, except in cases where the importer has obtained a valid permit authorising the importation for charitable purposes only.

While the Government has previously made policy pronouncements regarding second-hand clothing, the new measures now have firm legal backing under the Statutory Instrument Statutory Instrument 59 (Control of Goods (Import and Export) (Commerce) (Amendment) Regulations of 2026.

The Government reaffirmed the ban in August last year, following a similar order issued a few years ago.

However, the current regulations provide the statutory authority required for full enforcement.

Zimbabwe banned second-hand clothing imports primarily to revive the local textile and clothing industry, which has struggled against cheap, imported alternatives.Agri-business consulting.

The ban aims to support local manufacturers and prevent the dumping of foreign waste.

“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 (Permanent) Secretary (of Industry and Commerce) may prescribe in writing to ensure the goods are for charitable distribution,” according to the latest regulations.

The importation of second-hand undergarments is strictly prohibited under all circumstances, with no exceptions permitted, even for charitable purposes.

Despite persistent health concerns, the importation of second-hand clothing — including undergarments — remains prevalent across the country.

They have flooded open spaces in many residential areas and occupied market stalls on the pavements of major towns and cities.

Consequently, stakeholders in the textile and clothing sectors have raised concerns regarding the widespread sale of second-hand clothes, arguing the practice is undermining the revival of the local industry.

However, there is also a significant counter-argument that the trade in second-hand clothing has become a major source of employment while providing affordable options for low-income earners.

The regulations also extended the ban on the importation of pre-owned vehicles aged 10 years and older from the date of manufacture. Authorities will no longer issue import licenses for these older vehicles, regardless of any administrative delays or pending processes with other departments.

Any vehicle imported in defiance of the 10-year age limit must be re-exported by the owner at their own expense.
If a vehicle is not moved out of the country within 60 days, it will be deemed forfeited to the State.

These regulations serve as an extension of the existing policy, as the ban has been in effect since March 2024.

Limited exceptions exist for vehicles inherited through deceased estates, those belonging to immigrants or returning diplomats, and certified vintage vehicles, according to the latest regulations.

Application fees are set at US$100 for import licenses and US$50 for export licenses, payable in local currency at the prevailing interbank rate.

“The secretary has the right to reject an application for an import or export licence if the goods do not meet national quality or safety standards; the importation or exportation of such goods is deemed prejudicial to the economic interests of Zimbabwe; or the applicant has previously contravened the provisions of these regulations,” says the regulations.Agri-business consulting

Under the regulations, providing false statements or attempting to sell a license constitutes a criminal offence.
Offenders face a fine not exceeding level 12, a prison sentence of up to one year, or both.Agri-business consulting

Also in the regulations, individuals may import specific quantities of goods for personal use once per month without a licence.

The monthly limits include cooking oil, (four litres), sugar and washing powder, (four kg each), cereals, jam, peanut butter, and margarine, (two kg each), laundry soap, one box (24 bars), body creams or petroleum jellies, one case of six, textiles, (one blanket) and four pieces of cotton woven fabric.

In terms of the regulations, import licenses are not required for personal goods belonging to deceased estates, diplomats, or returning residents who have lived abroad for at least six months.