The Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Organisation (BVTO) has issued an urgent appeal to the government following widespread confusion and reports of confiscated goods at the Beitbridge Border Post.
This turmoil follows the implementation of Statutory Instrument 59 of 2026, which consolidated import regulations on March 25.
While authorities maintain that basic goods can be imported once a month for personal use without a licence, the BVTO said many local informal traders are arriving at the border entirely unaware of these changes.
The impact on the region’s traders has been severe, with many reportedly enduring overnight waits in difficult conditions only to have their goods seized amid conflicting information regarding permitted items.
The BVTO warned that a compliance regime enforced so abruptly risks punishing poverty rather than promoting order, potentially reversing recent safety gains at the modernised border.
The organisation noted that roughly 95% of pedestrian terminal users are women day-trippers whose fragile livelihoods are now under direct threat.
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While acknowledging the government’s goal of protecting local industry, the BVTO argued that these restrictions must be balanced with the availability of affordable domestic goods.
They said it was insufficient to simply restrict imports; the domestic market must also provide stable supplies and fair prices so that small-scale traders can remain viable.
Without these adjustments, the organisation believes the burden of economic change is being unfairly shifted onto the poorest members of society.
In response to the outcry, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) clarified that the traveller’s rebate remains capped at US$200 per person per calendar month.
However, the authority expressed concern that some traders are misusing this facility to import commercial quantities under the guise of personal effects.
Zimra said bulk goods intended for resale are classified as commercial consignments and must be cleared through licensed agents with full duty paid.
For goods valued below US$1 000, Zimra indicated that processing can still occur without a clearing agent, though their use is still strongly encouraged to ensure compliance.
To manage ongoing congestion, the authority confirmed that passengers will continue to receive priority clearance while commercial cargo is handled separately through formal channels.
To avoid further delays and seizures, Zimra is urging all travelers to declare their goods accurately and utilise pre-clearance facilities before arriving at the border.