Customs Duty on Cars in Zimbabwe 2026 — How Much Will You Pay?

Importing a car into Zimbabwe? The amount you pay depends on the CIF value (purchase price + shipping + insurance), engine size, and fuel type. Below are the exact rates and worked examples for the most popular imported vehicles.

Duty Rates by Engine Size

Engine Size	Duty	Surtax	VAT	Carbon Tax
≤ 1,500 cc	40%	20%	15.5%	$150
1,501–2,000 cc	40%	25%	15.5%	$250
2,001–2,500 cc	40%	25%	15.5%	$350
2,501–3,000 cc	40%	30%	15.5%	$500
> 3,000 cc	60%	35%	15.5%	$750

Worked Examples: Popular Cars

🚗 Honda Fit 1.3L (CIF $3,000)

Import Duty (40%)$1,200

Surtax (20% of $4,200)$840

VAT (15.5% of $5,040)$781

Carbon Tax$150

Total Duties$2,971

Total Landing Cost$5,971

🚗 Toyota Vitz / Yaris 1.5L (CIF $3,500)

Import Duty (40%)$1,400

Surtax (20% of $4,900)$980

VAT (15.5% of $5,880)$911

Carbon Tax$150

Total Duties$3,441

Total Landing Cost$6,941

🚗 Toyota RAV4 2.0L (CIF $8,000)

Import Duty (40%)$3,200

Surtax (25% of $11,200)$2,800

VAT (15.5% of $14,000)$2,170

Carbon Tax$250

Total Duties$8,420

Total Landing Cost$16,420

🚗 Toyota Hilux 2.5L Diesel (CIF $10,000)

Import Duty (40%)$4,000

Surtax (25% of $14,000)$3,500

VAT (15.5% of $17,500)$2,713

Carbon Tax$350

Total Duties$10,563

Total Landing Cost$20,563

🚗 Land Cruiser Prado 4.0L (CIF $20,000)

Import Duty (60%)$12,000

Surtax (35% of $32,000)$11,200

VAT (15.5% of $43,200)$6,696

Carbon Tax$750

Total Duties$30,646

Total Landing Cost$50,646

⚡ Nissan Leaf Electric (CIF $8,000)

Import Duty (20% — concession)$1,600

Surtax (10% of $9,600)$960

VAT (15.5% of $10,560)$1,637

Carbon Tax$0

Total Duties$4,197

Total Landing Cost$12,197

Calculate Your Car's Duty →

How to Reduce Your Import Duty

Go smaller: 1,500cc or less saves you 5-15% on surtax vs larger engines
Go electric: ~50% off duty, no carbon tax — Nissan Leaf saves ~$3,000 vs petrol equivalent
SADC origin: Cars assembled in South Africa may qualify for reduced duty with Certificate of Origin
Returning residents: If you've lived abroad 2+ years, you may qualify for one duty-free vehicle import

Additional Costs to Budget For

Item	Estimated Cost
Clearing agent fee	$150–$300
Transport (Beitbridge → Harare)	$200–$400
Vehicle fitness / VID inspection	$30–$50
Registration (CVR)	$50–$100
Number plates	$20–$40
Third-party insurance	$30–$80/year

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is customs duty on a Honda Fit in Zimbabwe?

A Honda Fit (1.3L) with a CIF of $3,000 pays approximately $2,971 in total duties (40% duty + 20% surtax + 15.5% VAT + $150 carbon tax), making the total landing cost around $5,971.

How much duty on a Toyota Hilux in Zimbabwe?

A Toyota Hilux (2.5L diesel) with a CIF of $10,000 pays approximately $10,563 in total duties (40% duty + 25% surtax + 15.5% VAT + $350 carbon tax), making the total landing cost around $20,563.

Do I pay less duty on an electric car in Zimbabwe?

Yes. Electric and hybrid vehicles receive approximately 50% off the standard duty and surtax rates, and pay no carbon tax. A Nissan Leaf with CIF of $8,000 would pay about $4,197 in duties vs much more for a petrol equivalent.

What is the cheapest car to import to Zimbabwe?

Small-engine vehicles (under 1,500cc) like the Honda Fit, Toyota Vitz, Mazda Demio, and Suzuki Swift pay the lowest duties — 40% duty with only 20% surtax and $150 carbon tax. They're also the cheapest to buy in Japan.

Why is duty so high on large engine cars?

Zimbabwe uses a progressive duty structure to discourage large-engine imports that consume more fuel. Vehicles over 3,000cc pay 60% duty (vs 40%) and 35% surtax (vs 20%), plus $750 carbon tax.

See the full ZIMRA duty rates table or read our guide to importing a car from Japan.