THE Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has impounded more than 100 high-end and luxury vehicles illicitly imported into the country, in violation of customs regulations.
The taxman is currently undertaking a nationwide operation targeting vehicles that were undervalued at ports of entry and those suspected of being in the country as a result of contravention of temporary import permit regulations.
These illegal practices cost the tax authority millions of dollars in potential revenue annually.
In an interview, Zimra head of corporate communications Mr Francis Chimanda said: “A total of 118 vehicles were intercepted for various offences during the blitz in Bulawayo and Harare.
“This is a joint enforcement activity targeting temporary import permit violations, motor vehicle undervaluation, immigrants rebate and suspension of duty on immigrants’ motor vehicles fraud and year of manufacture fraud to circumvent licence.
“Essentially, we are targeting all violations of the Customs and Excise Act in relation to vehicles.”
Mr Chimanda said the operation serves as a stern warning to individuals involved in fraudulent practices at the ports of entry.
He said Zimra will intensify the purge to weed out entities and individuals who undervalue vehicles.
“Currently, we are utilising roadblocks and patrols in a joint operation with other law-enforcement agencies,” he continued.
“We are doing post-clearance verifications in the Automated System for Customs Data.
“We are also improving the presence of enforcement officers on the ground to enhance compliance, penalising offenders and collaborating with security agencies like the Zimbabwe National Roads Administration and Central Vehicle Registry.”
Zimra was using established internationally approved World Customs Organisation’s valuation methods to determine and assess whether a vehicle has been undervalued at the border, added Mr Chimanda.
Those found on the wrong side of the law, he said, will have their vehicles impounded before being fined.
Tax expert Mr Tafadzwa Chingoma said customs undervaluation is a crime.
“The impounded vehicles usually undergo thorough assessment and valuation to determine the accurate customs duty and taxes owed,” he said.
“By cracking down on undervalued vehicles and other customs violations, the authority seeks to restore confidence in the country’s revenue collection system and ensure a fair and just economic environment for all.
“Zimra’s actions not only seek to recoup lost revenue but also to deter future attempts at undervaluation and promote a culture of compliance within the importation process.”
