Zimbabwe Scraps 25% Duty on Electric Trucks Over 5t

Zimbabwe's cut of the 25% duty on electric trucks over five tonnes to zero means Africa's commercial electrification cracks open. For importers of mining and construction heavy EVs, the math is simple: on the same landed price you pay 0.25 dollars less duty per dollar—electric beats diesel on cost..

On 2026-10-16, Zimbabwe's finance minister announced in the budget speech the removal of the 25% import duty on fully electric goods vehicles exceeding five tonnes. The measure targets mining, construction, and commercial freight, not subsidise passenger cars.

The numbers are clean: these fully electric goods vehicles previously carried 25% import duty; now 0%. The gate is five tonnes gross and fully electric—passenger EVs and lighter units are excluded. On a CIF basis duty moves from 0.25 per dollar to zero, slicing a quarter off a mining truck's import cost.

The impact has two layers. Mines, contractors, and freight firms can replace diesel fleets at a lower threshold, But relief covers only electric goods vehicles above five tonnes; passenger cars and light vehicles keep their old regime, so importers must pin down tonnage and powertrain before quoting any exemption.

Importers should build two lists first: whether target models fall within the over-five-tonne fully electric goods vehicle scope, Ask suppliers for full specs and vehicle identification, and check that powertrain and gross mass qualify before ordering. To confirm a model's landed cost and compliance, request a quote with your spec sheet.

What certifications are required to import used cars from China?
Requirements vary by destination (e.g. EAEU needs SBKTS/OTTC, GCC for the Middle East). EZ Auto handles compliant documents and certification per the destination customs, confirming clearance before shipment to avoid port hold-ups.

What recent policy changes affect Chinese vehicle exports?
EV subsidies are phasing out while export licensing and shipping capacity fluctuate. EZ Auto tracks destination tariffs and certification changes and updates them in the News section for procurement decisions.

Can an individual buy a car directly from China for export?
Possible, but with document and customs hurdles. Most buyers order through a licensed exporter like EZ Auto, which handles the contract, export declaration and destination paperwork; you only handle pickup and local registration.

What export documents are needed for used cars?
Core documents include the commercial invoice, packing list, export customs declaration, bill of lading and the destination's import clearance papers. EZ Auto prepares the full set before shipment to ensure smooth clearance abroad and avoid demurrage.

Do destination countries limit the age of imported vehicles?
New cars are mostly unrestricted; used cars often face an age cap (e.g. some Middle East and Africa markets require within 5-8 years). EZ Auto checks the destination's age rule before shipping and screens out non-compliant units to avoid rejection at port.

This article is published by EZ Auto. EZ Auto (Cheyixing Automobile Import & Export) specializes in exporting Chinese vehicles — new, used and parts — serving Latin America, Central Asia & CIS, Africa, the Middle East and the EU, with order-based sourcing, inspection with photo report, export documentation and ocean freight in one place.