The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has advised importers, exporters and other cross-border traders that Botswana has introduced mandatory pre-lodgment of customs declarations for all commercial goods destined for, transiting through or originating from the neighbouring country.
The new requirement, introduced by the Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS), took effect on 1 August 2026, and is expected to affect Zimbabwean businesses and haulage operators that regularly trade with the neighbouring country, with non-compliance likely to result in border delays, higher transport costs and supply chain disruptions.
In a notice to stakeholders, ZIMRA urged traders to familiarise themselves with the new procedures to ensure smooth border clearance.
“The Botswana Unified Revenue Service has introduced mandatory Pre-Lodgment of Customs Declarations for commercial goods destined to, through or from Botswana. With effect from 1 August 2026, traders are required to submit customs declarations and obtain ‘PROCEED TO BORDER’ status before commencing their journey to the border,” the authority said.
The revenue authority said the system is designed to speed up customs processing by enabling border officials to verify declarations before cargo arrives, reducing congestion and facilitating the movement of compliant consignments.
Botswana is one of Zimbabwe’s key regional trading partners, with significant volumes of agricultural produce, manufactured goods, mining supplies and consumer products moving between the two countries each year.
ZIMRA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting informed compliance and facilitating seamless regional trade by keeping stakeholders updated on policy and operational changes introduced by partner customs administrations.
The authority encouraged traders to study the BURS public notice and ensure they meet the new requirements before transporting commercial goods to, from or through Botswana.
