ZIMBABWE

Swiss-Zimbabwe bilateral relations

Relations between Switzerland and Zimbabwe focus on development cooperation and humanitarian aid. Switzerland has responded to human rights violations in Zimbabwe and decided on sanctions against President Mugabe and his entourage.

 

Economic cooperation

Bilateral trade between Switzerland and Zimbabwe is limited. Switzerland imports mainly agricultural products from the African country and exports mainly machinery and pharmaceuticals there. A bilateral investment protection agreement has been in force between the two countries since 2001.

 

Business languages

English.

 

Weights and measures

Metric system and British system.

 

Currency

National currency Zimbabwean dollar (Z$) = 100 cents (c). ISO code: ZWL

 

Customs Tariff

Harmonized system. Customs clearance based on transaction value.

 

Import control

Restrictive measures currently in place: arms embargo and ban on the provision of technical training or assistance as well as financial actions against certain individuals and institutions, and travel bans. Import licenses are required only for goods that are on the Customs Agency’s “negative list.” In principle, imports can be developed under the Open General License (OGL) goods regime. All import transactions must be through licensed trading companies in Zimbabwe. Licenses are granted by the Ministry of Trade’s Import/Export Licensing Office by submitting foreign currency allocation certificates; they are usually valid for 6 months; the importer must attach a pro forma invoice with FOB prices and a record of orders to the request
Standard business tax rate: 15%.
The foreign currency allocation certificate confers for industrial activities the “Industrial Import Control” of the “Confederation of Simbabwe Industries (CSI),” for trade and other importers the “Commercial Import Control” of the “Simbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (SNCC), Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce).” A quota allocation takes place quarterly.
Exporters can inquire at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Earl Grey Building, 4th St., Harare (Salisbury) which companies have received licenses for which goods. Exporters are obliged to deposit 50 percent of their foreign exchange receipts (expected) with the central bank.

 

Pre-boarding inspection

On 05/16/2015, Zimbabwe introduced pre-shipment inspection for certain goods. The measure affects food and agricultural products, construction products, wood and wood products, electrical and electronic products, clothing and textiles, among others. The task of carrying out the inspection is entrusted to the inspection company Bureau Veritas. Shipments of goods without the corresponding CBCA certificate will be denied import into Zimbabwe.

 

Payment terms and offers

A letter of credit mode is recommended, only for creditworthy importers.
Payment against documents (D/P). Invoicing in € or sterling £.

 

Commercial indication

There is no identification requirement; traditional markings are sufficient.

 

Marking/labeling

Usual marking with indication on country of origin.
Specific labeling regulations are not known.

 

Packaging

There are no regulations on crate marking.
Packing for Sea freight: straw and hay as packing material not recommended. Do not use crates that are too heavy.

 

Patterns and samples of goods

Samples are duty-free if they have no commercial value.

 

Shipping and accompanying documents

Usual documents, such as:

(a) Commercial invoices (1 copy) in English with the usual details. Commercial invoices not required, country of origin indication, unsigned, no authentication;

(b) Uncertified bills of lading. Order-related bills of lading eligible with return address;

(c) Certificates of origin only if required; so for goods with Swiss origin specify “Swiss” or “European Union” with European goods;

(d) Proof of preferential origin:

Model EUR. 1 (issued by the customs office) or origin declaration on invoice in the following two cases:

– for any export up to a maximum value of €6,000;

– For “approved exporters” with no value limit.

Text of the origin declaration.” The exporter of the goods covered by this document (customs authorization …) (1) declares that, unless otherwise stated, the goods are of preferential origin … (2)”. If the invoice declaration is issued by an approved exporter, the approved exporter’s authorization number should be recorded under (1). If the invoice declaration is not issued by an approved exporter, the words in brackets may be omitted or the space may be left blank. (2) Mandatory indication of the origin of products. If the invoice declaration relates in whole or in part to products originating in Ceuta and Melilla, the exporter must clearly indicate this by means of the initials “CM”;

(e) Postal packages up to 20 kg: 1 foreign shipping bill, 1 customs declaration (English).