HARARE: The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) recorded a 2,7 percent decrease in car imports through Beitbridge Border Post between January and June this year compared to the same period last year. Official figures from Zimra show that a total of 13 976 motor vehicles were imported through Beitbridge Border Post against 14 358 vehicles that were imported during the same period in 2015. It is understood that the imports through Beitbridge have declined as many importers and car dealers are now preferring to use less busy stations such as Plumtree, Kazungula and Chirundu border posts. Zimra recently stopped accepting values of second hand vehicles which are being sold in South Africa saying they were below standard market values. This has resulted in importers opting to buy vehicles direct from Japan or Tanzania, where prices are relatively low.
Zimra’s director of legal and corporate affairs, Ms Florence Jambwa on Thursday said they were processing an average of 72 vehicle imports per day at Manica Transit Shed. “For the period January to June 2016, 13 976 motor vehicles were imported through Beitbridge Border Post, compared to 14 358 vehicles which were imported during the same period in 2015,” she said. Ms Jambwa said Zimra was practicing standard valuation procedures that are consistent with the prevailing market values.
“Where the declared values are way below the prevailing market values, the law provides that an assessment of the value be done. “If the sales prices are in line with prevailing market values, they are accepted by ZIMRA. However, if the declared values are not in line with prevailing market prices, an assessment of the value is done to establish the correct Value for Duty Purposes.
