Staff Reporter
The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra), in collaboration with multiple agencies, has intensified its fight against smuggling and unethical business practices, impounding goods worth approximately US$2.4 million.
The crackdown targets cross-border transporters and non-compliant importers, aiming to promote ethical trade and protect the economy.
The operation, which has led to the seizure of dozens of vehicles, including buses and haulage trucks, uncovered illicit goods, such as foodstuffs and second-hand clothes.
In an interview with the media yesterday, Zimra Commissioner-General, Regina Chinamasa, revealed the scale of the operation, stating, “Our State warehouses are at full capacity with recovered goods.”
So far, items with a duty value of ZWL$46,242,385 (about US$1.8 million) and cash worth US$572,199 have been seized.
Chinamasa emphasised the operation’s primary goals.
“To curb smuggling, promote voluntary compliance, and encourage ethical business practices. Once compliance improves, controls will remain as part of ongoing risk management.
“The crackdown includes enhanced inspections of commercial and passenger vehicles on cross-border trade routes. Zimra has intensified these measures to address smuggling risks that undermine legitimate trade, economic development, and public safety,” she explained.
“This operation targets non-compliant importers, not transporters, to combat smuggling,” Chinamasa clarified. “It involves stopping and inspecting vehicular traffic to ensure that all imports comply with duty and tax regulations.”
The initiative also aims to protect the public from hazardous imports, such as unsafe foodstuffs and counterfeit goods, while addressing unfair trade practices that harm local industries. Additionally, the operation seeks to enhance supply chain security and support legitimate businesses facing unfair competition.
The Government’s commitment to addressing smuggling and other economic malpractices stems from its broader goal to protect consumer welfare and bolster local industry. Last year, a Government-established high-level task force led by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, launched a multi-agency operation, which includes key players, such as Zimra, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), and the Consumer Protection Commission.
In addition to targeting cross-border activities, authorities are cracking down on retailers using parallel market exchange rates and selling counterfeit, underweight, or unlabelled goods. To enforce compliance, 24-hour roadblocks have been established on major highways, and retail shops are subject to impromptu inspections. Non-compliant businesses face severe penalties, including hefty fines as well as confiscation of goods.
By tackling smuggling and unethical practices, Zimra is reinforcing its mission to ensure fair trade, strengthen the economy, and safeguard public welfare.
