Importing to Zambia
Importing a vehicle into Zambia requires ZRA clearance with customs duty, excise duty, and VAT calculated on the CIF value.
Required Documents
- Original Bill of Lading
- Certificate of Title & Registration
- Purchase Invoice
- Police Clearance Certificate
- Vehicle Evaluation Report
- ZRA Customs Declaration
- Tax Clearance Certificate
Delivery & Timeline
Vehicles are dispatched from Durban port via licensed car carrier trucks. Estimated delivery timelines:
- Documentation prep: 2–5 days
- Overland transport: 2–6 days
- Customs clearance: 3–14 days
Total: approximately 1–3 weeks from payment to delivery.
Duty Calculator
Use our Import Cost Calculator to get a full breakdown of customs duties, VAT, excise taxes, and transport costs for Zambia.
Calculate Import CostsCountry Snapshot — Costs & Key Facts
Customs Duty
Fixed ZMW rates by engine & age
VAT
16%
Excise / Surtax
Carbon surtax: ZMW 5,000–35,000
Land Transport
USD 400–700
Currency
ZMW (Kwacha)
- Zambia uses specific (fixed) duty, not ad valorem.
- Carbon surtax applies to all vehicle imports.
- Hybrids assessed as petrol vehicles.
Guides for Zambia
Zambia Vehicle Import Duty 2025 — ZRA Fixed Duty & Carbon Surtax Calculator
Zambia uses a specific (fixed) duty system for most used vehicles. Complete guide to ZRA rates, the carbon surtax, and how to calculate your total landed cost.
Zambia Carbon Surtax on Vehicles: How Much Extra Will You Pay in 2025?
The Zambia carbon surtax applies to all imported vehicles based on engine size. Full breakdown of rates, who pays, and how it affects your total landed cost.
Importing a Hybrid or EV to Zambia: Special Duty Rates & Incentives
Zambia offers reduced import costs for hybrid and electric vehicles. Compare the duty savings and find out if going green saves you money at the border.
Zambia Car Import Documents — Complete Checklist for ZRA Customs Clearance
Complete documentation checklist for importing a vehicle to Zambia. ASYCUDA declarations, ZRA requirements, and tips for smooth clearance.
Landing Cost Used Car Zambia — Fixed Duty & Carbon Surtax Explained
Zambia's unique fixed duty system makes landed cost calculations different from other countries. Full breakdown with a worked example.
How to Calculate Duty on Imported Cars in Zambia — Fixed Duty System
Zambia's unique fixed duty system means calculating import duty is different from other countries. Step-by-step guide with ZRA rates and examples.
Zambia Vehicle Duty Calculator — Instantly Estimate ZRA Fixed Duty
Zambia's fixed duty system makes manual calculation tedious. Use our online calculator for instant ZRA duty, carbon surtax, and VAT estimates.
ZRA Car Import Zambia — Complete Guide to Customs Clearance
A comprehensive guide to the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) vehicle import process. Fixed duty system, carbon surtax, ASYCUDA, and clearance procedures.
