How do I obtain a temporary import permit in Zimbabwe?

The key procedural distinction is this: A temporary import permit allows identified goods or a vehicle to enter for a limited purpose with an obligation to re-export or regularise them. The practical objective of the temporary import permit process is to reach a traceable decision from ZIMRA Customs and Excise and any permit-issuing authority for the goods, not merely to complete a form or make a payment. In the temporary import permit workflow, the route below keeps the applicant, evidence and requested outcome aligned.

The first question to settle

Before starting the temporary import permit process, define the activity, site, asset, period and licence class covered by temporary import permit. For temporary import permit, apply this governing rule: Customs clearance depends on classification, customs value, origin, importer identity and any restricted-goods permit; an invoice alone does not decide liability. As part of temporary import permit, this matters here because the item is sold, altered, overstays or cannot be matched to the permit presented at exit.

If this applies to your situation, read our guide on can delay or cause rejection of temporary import permit in Zimbabwe.

Assemble the working record

Prepare a compact working pack. In the temporary import permit workflow, the most important records are the asset's serial, chassis or registration identifiers, the owner's identity, foreign registration and travel or project purpose, and the entry declaration, guarantee or undertaking and intended exit date. Within the temporary import permit case, add the following supporting items where they apply:

• the importer or exporter's TIN and identity or entity records
• the commercial invoice, transport document and packing or vehicle particulars
• the bill of entry, assessment, customs receipt and release record
• the current application form and technical schedule for the requested authority
• site, asset or activity details that an inspector can verify

As part of temporary import permit, check spelling, dates, account or registration numbers and physical addresses across the pack. Any correction to the temporary import permit record should be supported by the source that created the new fact, not handwritten over the old evidence.

Use this order of work

1. Define the precise activity, site, period and category covered by the requested temporary import permit authority.
2. Obtain the current form and inspection criteria from ZIMRA Customs and Excise and any permit-issuing authority for the goods before altering the site or buying equipment.
3. Arrange the asset's serial, chassis or registration identifiers and the owner's identity, foreign registration and travel or project purpose so that the same names, dates and identifiers appear throughout the temporary import permit file.
4. Lodge the request through the customs port, inland clearance station or electronic customs channel handling the consignment, obtain a receipt or acknowledgement and record the case number.
5. Answer only the specific verification or inspection question raised by ZIMRA Customs and Excise and any permit-issuing authority for the goods, keeping proof of every additional item supplied.
6. Read the issued decision or record against the original request for temporary import permit before leaving the counter or closing the portal session.

Close the loop

A successful application concerning temporary import permit should produce a licence, permit, clearance or approval stating its scope, validity and conditions. The temporary import permit result should identify the applicant or case, the decision, its effective date and any conditions or follow-up action.

Use the customs supervisor, valuation or classification review, seizure-notice process or statutory objection route only after asking the receiving office to state the current status and the next responsible stage.

Official sources

• ZIMRA — Customs and Excise
• ZIMRA — Traveller's Rebate
• ZIMRA — Requirements for New Businesses

Before paying or travelling, confirm the current form, fee, payment method and service-point arrangements with ZIMRA Customs and Excise and any permit-issuing authority for the goods.