The importation and exportation of certain goods and substances is restricted and possible only under certain conditions such as production of a relevant permit or license. For some products, the importation or exportation is absolutely prohibited.

ZIMRA has been charged with the control of these import and export restrictions and prohibitions.

Why restrict or prohibit importation or exportation of certain goods or substances?

Most of these controls are done in the interest of the public. They are meant to protect the consumer against:

• Dangerous and harmful drugs
• Hazardous substances
• Expired drugs
• Pornographic, objectionable or undesirable materials
• Harmful substances which include skin lightening creams, soaps and lotions

Some of the controls are meant to protect the environment against:

• Destruction of fauna and flora
• Extinction of endangered species

Others are meant to protect:

• Revenue
• Conserve foreign currency
• Maintain export standards
• Intellectual property against infringement of rights such as:
  • Trademarks
  • Copyrights
  • Designs
  • Patents

Restricted Goods

Usually restricted goods in this context are those which are subject to import or export control - that is, goods which may not be imported or exported except under license or permit. Examples include the following:

• Wildlife and wildlife products
• Agricultural produce
• Plants and plant products, soil medium, invertebrates
• Firearms and ammunition
• Relics and national monuments
• Local currency
• Foreign currency
• Stills and all apparatus or parts of apparatus capable of being used for the production or refining of alcohol

Prohibited Goods

These are goods whose importation or exportation is absolutely prohibited and include the following:

• Pornographic materials
• Flick knives/lockable blades
• Skin lightening creams containing hydroquinone and mercury
• Base, counterfeit or forged coins or currency
• Prison-made and penitentiary-made goods
• Spirituous beverages which contain preparations, extracts, essences or chemical products which are noxious or injurious
• Any goods which are indecent, obscene or objectionable
• Any goods which might tend to deprave the morals of the inhabitants, or any class of the inhabitants, of Zimbabwe
• Any goods the importation of which is prohibited by or under the authority of any enactment

Importation or Exportation of Restricted Goods

The importation or exportation can only be done under a relevant permit or license. Below is a list of some of the most common restricted goods and the respective authorities that authorizes their importation or exportation.