Importing Cars to Zambia

Buying JDM cars can be very rewarding, as the vehicles are fuel-efficient, eco-friendly, and easy to maintain. Many people in Zambia are doing it. But a handful of potential importers dread the rigor involved in the process.

Well, it’s pretty easy to import cars to Zambia if you know what you’re doing. You will need to learn the import regulations, duties and taxes. This article contains the required information for people looking to import cars to Zambia.

Zambia Import Regulations

Here are the import requirements and regulations in Zambia:

Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA)

The ZRA has an Integrated Border Declaration Form (IBDF) to enter cars imported into the country for personal use.

Shipping Port

All used cars shipped into Zambia come in through Dar-Es-Salaam or Durban.

Age Restriction

There are no age restrictions on used vehicles imported in Zambia.

Right Hand Drive vehicle

Zambia only allows the importation of right-hand drive vehicles except for fire engines and ambulances.

Roadworthiness Inspection

All used vehicles imported from Japan must pass JEVIC (Japan Export Vehicle Inspection Center) roadworthiness inspection.

Documents Required for Port Clearance

Here are the documents you must bring along during port clearance:

  • Original Certificate of Title and Registration
  • Driver’s License & International Insurance Policy (green card)
  • Commercial/Purchase Invoice: – showing purchase date and price
  • Original Bill of Lading and Non-Sale Certificate
  • Valuation Certificate
  • Letter of Transfer from client’s employer

Import Duties and Taxes

You will need to pay duties and taxes when importing a car into Zambia. Here’s a breakdown of the required taxes and duties:

Customs Duty:

  • Vehicles for Transportation of Goods: 15% of CIF
  • Passenger Vehicles: 25% of CIF

Excise Duty:

  • Passenger vehicles with an engine size above 1500cc: 30% of CIF
  • Passenger vehicles with engine size 1500cc and lower: 20% of CIF
  • Vehicles for Transportation of Goods: 10% of CIF

VAT

VAT is charged on the Taxable Value

  • 16% of CIF + Excise Duty + Customs Duty

Carbon Emission Surtax

  • 3,001 CC and above: 200,000 ZMW
  • 2,001 – 3,000 CC: 150,000 ZMW
  • 1,501 – 2,000 CC: 100,000 ZMW
  • 1,500 CC and under: 50,000 ZMW

How to Compute the Cost of Importing a car to Zambia

Calculating the overall cost of importing our vehicle to Zambia can be overwhelming. But we have condensed down the steps to the essentials to make it easier for you.

Step 1: Gather the Information on the Vehicle

Write down the car’s details, including:

  • Car make
  • Car model
  • Year of manufacture
  • Engine size
  • Fuel type
  • Model code
  • FOB

Step 2: Record the CIF

The next thing to do is record the car’s CIF. Choose the port of delivery and country of destination. Vehicles in Zambia are shipped through Durban or Dar-Es-Salaam. Add the insurance and inspection fee to the shipping fee.

Step 3: Convert the Amount

Convert the price from US dollars (USD) to Zambian Kwacha (ZMW). Make sure to use the current exchange rate when doing this.

Step 4: Calculate the Fees, Taxes, and Duties

Now, it’s time to calculate the import duties.

Top Used Cars Imported to Zambia

Here are some popular units in Zambia:

  • 2006-2010 Toyota Vitz KSP90 
  • 2006-2009 Toyota Mark X GRX120
  • 2006-2010 Toyota Belta KSP92
  • 2002-2005 Toyota IST NCP60
  • 2004-2006 Toyota Wish ZNE10G 
  • Mitsubishi Canter FE82CE, FE70CB, FE72CE, FE84DV, FE425E, FE516BT, FE325E, FE72DE, FE70DB, FE63CE
  • Mitsubishi Rosa Bus
  • 2002-2007 Nissan X-Trail NT30”

Final Thoughts

Importing a car to Zambia might seem daunting when you don’t have the right information. But once you get the hang of things, you’ll find it easy. Feel free to use the information here, as it’ll help throughout the importation process.

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