shloboe boe
Judith Phiri, Business Reporter
THE Government is putting in place measures to combat the influx of second-hand clothing, which is largely smuggled into the country through undesignated ports of entry and poses significant challenges to local retailers as they choke the manufacturing industry.
Over the past two decades, the second-hand clothing industry in Zimbabwe commonly referred to as the mabhero/amabhele has flourished, leading to the decline of the country’s clothing industry.
These bales contain discarded garments from abroad that arrive in large containers and are sold on street pavements and in markets throughout urban areas and business centres at fairly cheap prices.
During a recent online discussion with business stakeholders, Mr Dumisani Ncube, chairperson of the National Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Advisory Council under the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises, emphasised Government’s commitment to addressing the sale of second-hand clothing.
“I want to warn those involved in the second-hand clothing trade that strict enforcement measures are forthcoming. The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has been empowered to shut down non-compliant businesses. Collaborations with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Zimra and security agencies have been initiated to engage Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries in preventing the movement of second-hand clothing across their borders,” Mr Ncube said.
He further stressed, “The sale of second-hand clothing is prohibited. From this month onwards, any imported second-hand bales will be confiscated, with no duties remitted for them, instead, they will be destroyed, resulting in financial losses for traders.”
Mr Ncube encouraged those in the trade of second-hand clothing to transition and begin selling new apparel and adhere to regulatory standards to avoid potential legal repercussions.
In response to enquiries from Sunday News Business, the head of marketing and corporate affairs at Zimra, Mr Francis Chimanda emphasised that one of his organisation’s responsibilities is to safeguard revenue through post-clearance audits, ensuring that all imported goods have been properly accounted for.
“These audits are conducted as needed, particularly in light of identified non-compliance issues,” he stated, noting that the current anti-smuggling initiatives target a broad range of goods including second-hand clothing.
When asked about the timeline for enforcement against traders of second-hand clothing, Mr Chimanda indicated that specific operational details are not disclosed due to risk management protocols.
He added, “All importers must ensure that customs duties are fully paid and maintain adequate, verifiable records. Goods that lack proof of clearance may be detained pending the necessary revenue documentation, and any suspicions of improper clearance can lead to seizure under the Customs and Excise Act.”
Mr Chimanda clarified that the ongoing national anti-smuggling campaign encompasses the entire country and is responsive to intelligence-based information rather than targeting specific locations.
Regarding border controls, he noted, “Regulatory measures are implemented at official entry points, ensuring that importers comply before duties are collected. Surveillance of undesignated entry points utilises drones, along with checkpoints and patrols along major cross-border routes. Ultimately, operations also focus on locations where imported goods, including second-hand clothing are stored or sold.”
