The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has said it needs to update its technology in order to implement plastic money for the introduction of vehicle registrations at border posts later this year.
Gershem Pasi, Commissioner-General for ZIMRA, said at the International Customs Day commemorations the intention is to ensure decongestion of ZIMRA’s inland offices and implement a “one-stop shop” clearance office for imported vehicles.
Currently, the system in Zimbabwe requires people who import vehicles to purchase temporary number plates at border posts or drive the vehicle to their hometown where they can then apply for number plates.
“This year, we look forward to initiating motor vehicle registration at ports of entry and exit so that our valued clients leave the border with the imported vehicles already fitted with Zimbabwean number plates,” said Pasi.
However, Pasi said ZIMRA will need to consider using plastic money at border posts as well as airports since travelling with large amounts of physical cash is inconvenient and dangerous to travellers.
Pasi said this will be better achieved with the border infrastructure, particularly when the Beitbridge border post is rehabilitated.
The Beitbridge border post is particularly important to Zimbabwe’s economy since it is the gateway to Africa’s economic giant, South Africa.
