Zimbabwe Suspends Duty on Bus Imports to Ease Transport Crisis

Zimbabwe Suspends Duty on Bus Imports to Ease Transport Crisis

The Government of Zimbabwe  has moved to suspend customs duty on the importation of public service buses in a bid to ease transport challenges and reduce the cost of commuting.

The measure, announced by Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube, applies retrospectively from January 1 this year and is expected to lower import costs for operators while encouraging fleet renewal.

Also Read: Zimbabwe Waives Customs Duties on Key Transport, Mining and Tourism Imports

Relief for Commuters and Operators

Authorities say the initiative is designed to expand public transport capacity and improve service delivery, particularly as commuters face rising fares linked to global fuel price increases.

The policy also aims to support tourism through the importation of specialised vehicles and stimulate growth in Zimbabwe’s motor assembly sector.

Bus operators have welcomed the move, saying it will help them modernise ageing fleets and better meet growing demand.

Legal Framework and Conditions

The suspension is provided for under Statutory Instrument 74 of 2026, issued in terms of the Customs and Excise Act.

Under the regulations, only approved importers will qualify for duty-free imports, subject to recommendations from the Ministry of Transport and clearance by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority.

Importers must submit detailed documentation, including tax compliance certificates and specifications of the buses being brought into the country. The vehicles must also be used strictly for public transport services.

Strict Compliance Measures

Government has introduced safeguards to prevent abuse of the facility. Operators are prohibited from selling buses imported under the scheme within five years unless they receive special approval or pay the suspended duty.

Authorities also warned that operators who charge excessive fares or misuse the programme risk penalties, including being required to repay the duty.

In addition, monthly reports will be submitted to the Ministry of Finance detailing approved importers and the number of buses brought into the country.

Industry Applauds the Move

Zimbabwe Passenger Transport Organisation chairman Samson Nhanhanga described the policy as a major relief for the sector.

He said operators are planning to bring in more buses to address shortages and improve service delivery, adding that the move could ultimately lead to lower fares for commuters.

Part of Broader Economic Response

The intervention comes as Government rolls out measures to cushion citizens from rising living costs, partly driven by global fuel price increases linked to international conflicts.

Officials say the duty suspension represents a step toward stabilising the transport sector while ensuring affordable and reliable services for the commuting public.