Government has moved to ease the cost of agricultural inputs for farmers by suspending customs duty on selected fertiliser imports for a period of 12 months.
The decision, announced through Statutory Instrument 214 of 2025, is aimed at improving access to critical inputs ahead of the farming season.
The measure, issued by the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, amends the existing Customs and Excise (Suspension) Regulations of 2003 to allow approved importers to bring in fertiliser duty-free.
According to the new regulations, “With effect from 8th November, 2025, and for a period of twelve months, it is hereby suspended on fertilisers imported by approved and regulated importers.”
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The suspension applies to fertilisers under the commodity codes 3102.1000, 3102.3000 and 3102.8000, typically covering nitrogen-based fertilisers widely used across Zimbabwe.
To ensure proper control and prevent abuse, the regulations define strict eligibility criteria for importers. The Statutory Instrument states that an “approved fertiliser importer” refers to an entity “approved and licensed by the Ministry responsible for Agriculture, in consultation with the Ministry responsible for Industry and Commerce and the Fertiliser Manufacturing Industry to import fertilisers in quantities not exceeding the tonnage specified in the Schedule.”
The Ministry of Agriculture will be responsible for vetting and endorsing qualified companies. The instrument notes: “The Minister responsible for Agriculture shall approve a list of reputable fertiliser importers for the purposes of these regulations.”
The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority will implement the suspension at ports of entry, but only after verifying compliance with relevant legal provisions.
As stated in the SI, “The Commissioner shall grant suspension of duty to an approved importer subject to compliance with section 34C of the Revenue Authority Act.”
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