An example of a wholly grown product (tobacco) being prepared for export
Exported products become competitive when they land at lower costs. This can be achieved if goods are exported under a trade agreement.
The trade agreement will result in the goods being accorded preferential treatment on entry into the importing country.
Preferential treatment means that your products will pay less or no customs duties in the importing country.
What trade agreements are there?
Zimbabwe is part to the following trade agreements:
-Comesa Trade Protocol for exports to all Comesa member states
-Sadc Trade Protocol for exports to all Sadc member states
-Zimbabwe/Malawi trade agreement for exports to Malawi
-Zimbabwe/Botswana trade agreement for exports to Botswana
-Zimbabwe/Namibia trade agreement for exports to Namibia
-Zimbabwe/Mozambique trade agreement for exports to Mozambique
-The Generalised System of Preferences for exports to European Union countries
How do you register under a trade agreement?
You approach the nearest Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) office and obtain information on a particular trade agreement(s) that you want to register under.
Manufacturer or exporter makes an application in writing to Zimra to export under the particular trade agreement.
The application should be supported by evidence that the goods originate in Zimbabwe.
What type of goods qualify?
The following are some of the goods that may qualify for preferential treatment:
Wholly grown products such as agricultural products
Animals originating in Zimbabwe
Mineral products
Manufactured products meeting set out qualifying criteria, amongst other goods
Can I export goods if I am not the manufacturer of the product?
Yes, you can. You need to be registered with ZIMRA to export the particular manufactured product.
What documents are required by the importing country for the goods to enjoy preferential treatment?
A certificate of origin duly completed and signed by the manufacturer or exporter and authenticated by ZIMRA.
Maximising on the benefits of trade agreements. You are free to find out which trade agreement gives you maximum benefit for the product you intend to export.
Disclaimer
This article was compiled by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority for information purposes only.
ZIMRA shall not accept responsibility for loss or damage arising from use of material in this article and no liability will attach to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority.
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