Government has suspended duty on public service bus imports to ease transport challenges, lower fares, and modernise fleets.
Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube has suspended customs duty on public service bus imports, with the measure backdated to January 1, 2026, as part of efforts to improve public transport and reduce commuting costs.
The policy is aimed at easing transport challenges, lowering fares for commuters, and supporting the modernisation of public transport fleets by reducing the cost of importing buses. Authorities expect the move to improve service delivery across the sector.
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The duty suspension is also designed to support the expansion of public transport capacity, facilitate tourism through the importation of specialised vehicles, and promote growth in the local motor assembly industry.
The announcement comes as Government implements measures to cushion commuters from rising transport costs linked to increased global fuel prices following the US-Israel-Iran war. The rise in fuel prices has placed additional pressure on both operators and passengers.
Bus operators have largely welcomed the policy, describing it as a necessary intervention to address fleet shortages and improve efficiency. The measure is expected to enable operators to import more buses at lower cost and expand their services.
The suspension was made under the Customs and Excise Act through Statutory Instrument 74 of 2026, also cited as the Customs and Excise Act (Suspension) (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 (No. 286). The regulation outlines the framework for qualifying importers and conditions for accessing the duty relief.
According to the statutory instrument, customs duty will be suspended on public service buses imported by approved operators. The Secretary for Transport and Infrastructural Development will recommend qualifying operators to the Commissioner of the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority on a case-by-case basis.
The regulation states that approved importers must meet several requirements before qualifying for the duty suspension. These include providing details such as the make, model, engine, and chassis number of the bus, as well as proof of compliance with tax obligations, including a valid tax clearance certificate and confirmation of payment of income tax for the previous fiscal year.
Importers are also required to submit a declaration confirming that the buses will be used strictly for public transport services within their registered business operations. Additionally, all buses imported under the facility must be registered in the name of the approved importer.
The statutory instrument further restricts the disposal of buses imported under duty suspension. Approved importers are not allowed to sell or dispose of such buses within five years unless they obtain written approval from the Commissioner or pay the suspended duty. The Commissioner may, however, permit disposal upon payment of a portion of the duty if the bus cannot be economically used.
The regulation also provides for the remission of duty in cases where a bus is accidentally destroyed before being used, provided the Commissioner is satisfied that reasonable precautions were taken to prevent the loss.
Authorities have also introduced monitoring measures to ensure compliance. The Minister, in consultation with the Transport Ministry, may require operators who charge unreasonable fares or misuse the facility to pay back the suspended duty along with penalties.
The Secretary for Transport and Infrastructural Development and the Commissioner are required to submit monthly reports detailing approved importers, the number of buses imported, and specific details such as make, chassis number, and value of each vehicle.
Zimbabwe Passenger Transport Organisation chairman Dr Samson Nhanhanga said operators support the initiative. “As bus operators, we welcome the suspension of duty on buses, which would not only ease transport challenges, but also reduce fares. We are bringing in a huge number of buses to replenish our fleet. It is a huge relief for us since we will be able to satisfy the requirements of our market,” he said.
