Zimbabwe: SI 159 of 2026 Eliminates Electric Truck Import Duties

• Zimbabwe has eliminated import duties on heavy electric trucks weighing over five tonnes through Statutory Instrument 159 of 2026.
• The new regulation, published on October 16, 2026, is retrospectively effective from March 2, 2026, allowing for claims on previously paid duties.
• This policy, issued under the Customs and Excise Act, aims to lower e-mobility entry costs and reduce the national fuel import bill.
• The duty exemption significantly benefits the freight, mining, and construction sectors by reducing vehicle acquisition costs.
• Despite higher upfront costs, heavy electric trucks offer lower operating expenses, reduced maintenance, and protection from diesel price volatility.

The notice is deemed to have come into effect on March 2, 2026, meaning importers who brought in qualifying trucks from that date will benefit retrospectively, presenting a significant cost-saving opportunity.

Zimbabwe has officially eliminated import duties on heavy electric trucks, a significant policy shift detailed in Statutory Instrument 159 of 2026. This new regulation, formally known as the Customs and Excise (Tariff) (Amendment) Notice, 2026 (No. 16), was published on Friday, October 16, 2026. The exemption specifically applies to trucks exceeding five tonnes in weight that operate exclusively on electric power, marking a pivotal moment for the nation's e-mobility landscape.

Crucially, the provisions of this notice are deemed to have taken effect retrospectively from March 2, 2026. This means that any importers who have brought qualifying heavy electric trucks into Zimbabwe since that date are eligible to benefit from the duty exemption. This retrospective application presents a substantial cost-saving opportunity for businesses in the freight, mining, and construction sectors, allowing for potential claims on duties already paid and significantly altering procurement strategies for fleet operators considering Zimbabwe SI 159 of 2026 electric trucks.

The Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion issued this vital amendment under the authority granted by section 225 of the Customs and Excise Act [Chapter 23:02]. The Statutory Instrument 159 of 2026 specifically modifies the First Schedule of the Customs and Excise (Tariff) Notice, 2022, which was originally published as SI 203 of 2022. This legislative action underscores the government's commitment to fostering a more sustainable and economically efficient transport sector.

This latest move builds upon previous Zimbabwe e-mobility incentives, including a broader reduction in import duty on all fully electric vehicles implemented last year. That earlier policy saw the import duty cut from 40% to 25%, reflecting a consistent effort to lower the cost of entry into the electric vehicle market. The overarching goals behind these changes are to reduce the country’s reliance on fuel imports, thereby alleviating the national fuel import bill, and to accelerate the adoption of cleaner energy transportation solutions across various industries, directly impacting the Zimbabwe electric vehicle customs tariff.

The removal of the Zimbabwe heavy electric truck import duty holds profound implications, particularly for the freight, mining, and construction sectors. These industries, which rely heavily on large vehicle fleets, stand to gain significantly from the reduced acquisition costs. While heavy electric trucks typically entail a higher upfront investment compared to their diesel counterparts, industry experts highlight their far lower operating costs, reduced maintenance requirements, and crucial insulation from volatile diesel fuel prices.

For operations such as those in mining, which often involve short-haul, high-frequency routes, the economic rationale for transitioning to electric trucks is becoming increasingly compelling. The timing of this policy is especially relevant given recent market developments; last year, Chinese equipment giant SANY introduced a range of electric trucks in Zimbabwe, including its distinctive Eagle Eye heavy-duty model, aiming to capture 30% of the heavy truck market amidst growing demand from the mining and construction industries. This regulatory change is expected to further fuel such transitions, making electric fleets a more viable and attractive option for businesses focused on long-term operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Lawyers and compliance officers should advise clients in the freight, mining, and construction sectors on the new import duty exemption for heavy electric trucks, including potential retrospective claims for duties paid since March 2, 2026. This presents a significant cost-saving opportunity and impacts procurement strategies for fleet operators.

Source: Original reporting based on recent regulatory updates from Zimbabwe.