KENNEDY MASONA
MIRROR REPORTER

MASVINGO – Fuel importers are with effect from August 10, 2024, mandated to pay duty and levies at the port of entry and the money will be refunded at the exit port, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has said.
The tax collector released a statement on its X handle last Friday saying that the new regulations are to curb fuel fraud.
“The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) wishes to advise its valued clients and the public of the 2024 Mid-term budget pronouncement by the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment promotion relating to the payment of duty for fuel in transit to mitigate against transit fraud.
“With effect from 10 August 2024 all fuel petrol, diesel, paraffin and jet A1 in transit imported through ports of entry by road is now required to pay duty and levies on entry. The duty and levies will be refunded at the port of exit upon compliance with all the transit procedures, including submission of proof that the fuel has been exported,” reads part of the statement.
This comes after fuel fraud would declare fuel coming into the country as being in transit to other countries so not to be liable to exercise duty. The smugglers would then offload the fuel in Zimbabwe and load their tankers with water before proceeding to exit ports.
“Consignee’s or their representatives should approach Zimra at the port of entry to initiate the fuel clearance and payment process. For the refund process, once the fuel has been exported they should approach Zimra at the port of exit to initiate the requisite refund process,” reads part of the statement.