Public Notice 48 of 2026 on 2027 Registration of Clearing Agents - 31 August 2026

ZIMRA has set out the requirements for new and renewing clearing agent licences for 2027, assessed under section 216A of the Customs and Excise Act and the Customs and Excise (General) Regulations, including S.I. 130 of 2026.

Applications use Form No. 64, submitted to ZIMRA Head Office or online — new applicants through the link in the notice, renewals through their ASYCUDA profiles. They must include the trading name and principal office; company or partnership documents with shareholders, directors or partners named; the names of directors, partners, managers and employees who will act for the agent, with proof of a diploma in customs legislation and procedures certified by the Higher Education ministry, experience and specimen signatures; proof of membership of a recognised clearing, shipping and forwarding professional body; an asset register; a TIN or BP number; and a valid tax clearance certificate.

Additional requirements include at least one director with a practising certificate from the Public Accountants and Auditors Board; police-vetted fingerprints for employees and directors, unless submitted in the last three years; Form 129 in three copies with a bond of US$25,000 or the ZWG equivalent, and three copies of a surety cover note from an insurer or commercial bank; a month's ZiG and foreign currency bank statements; a US$500 licence fee, payable in local currency; certified beneficial ownership information consistent with the Registrar of Companies; a lease or proof of ownership of premises; an inspection report for new applicants and anyone who has moved offices; and a declaration of outstanding bills of entry and other customs obligations.

No change in shareholding, directors, beneficial ownership, control, partners or authorised representatives takes effect for the licence without ZIMRA's prior approval. Agents operating at Beitbridge, Chirundu or Forbes must undertake to clear goods around the clock, or their entries at those ports will be rejected. Incomplete applications count as not submitted, and new applications for 2027 are limited to those received between 1 September and 31 October 2026.