Importing a vehicle into Zambia: duty, taxes and customs clearing explained
Updated 14 Oct 2026
When a vehicle arrives in Zambia it has to be cleared through customs before it can be released to you. The buyer pays import duty and taxes, and the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) sets them. They change from time to time, so always get a current estimate and confirm important figures with ZRA or a licensed clearing agent.
Who pays import duty and taxes?
The buyer pays them. They are separate from the price of the vehicle and the cost of shipping, so a fair comparison between vehicles uses the total landed cost, not the purchase price alone.
What affects the amount?
Duty and taxes depend on the type of vehicle, its age and its engine size, and on the value declared. A truck, a car and a trailer are treated differently, and an older vehicle is not always cheaper to clear than a newer one. We give you an estimate with your written quote.
- The type of vehicle (truck, tractor unit, trailer, car).
- The age of the vehicle.
- The engine size and fuel type.
- The declared value and the cost of shipping and insurance.
What happens at clearing
A clearing agent submits the import paperwork for the vehicle, the duty and taxes are assessed and paid, and the vehicle is released. We handle the clearing for the vehicles we ship, so you are not left to deal with the port and the border on your own.
- Documents normally include the invoice, the shipping document and the vehicle's identity and registration papers.
- Duty and taxes are paid before release.
- Charges at the port or border, such as storage, are the reason to keep the vehicle moving.
Registration after clearing
Once cleared, the vehicle is registered in Zambia in your name. You are responsible for making sure it can be registered and used there, so check the rules for the specific vehicle with us before you buy. Rules on age, emissions and inspections can change.
Keeping the estimate accurate
Ask for the estimate in writing, ask what it assumes, and expect the final figure to be the one charged on clearing. If anything changes between the quote and the clearing, we tell you before you pay.
Common questions
- Is the duty included in the price on your website?
- No. The website shows the price of the vehicle. Shipping, clearing, import duty and taxes are added, and we give you the full cost in a written quote.
- Can duty change after I have paid?
- Duty and taxes are set by the Zambia Revenue Authority and can change. We give you an estimate with the quote; the final figure is the one charged on clearing.