MIDWEEK REPORTER
HARARE- Government has allowed companies and individuals to import fertilizer and cement without an import licence until the 31st of December 2023.
The arrangement that will be implemented with immediate effect will allow importation of 100x50kg bags (5MT) of cement and 100x50kg bags (5MT) of fertilizer.
The government made this decision after the local market is hit by the shortage of fertilizer and cement, a development that resulted in rent- seeking merchants hiking the prices of the available cement.
In a press statement issued yesterday, the Industry and Commerce Ministry said it will make arrangements with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) to address the shortages of fertilizer and cement in the market.
“Following the Cabinet update on the supply situation of cement and fertilizer, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce will have an administrative arrangement with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) to alleviate the shortage in the market.
“Companies or individuals will be allowed to import fertilizer and cement of the quantities shown above up to 31 December 2023 without the requirement of an import licence. Quantities above this will require import licence from the Ministry,” the statement reads.
The Ministry said this does not apply to commercial imports.
In a post cabinet briefing on Tuesday, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Jenfan Muswere said government has approved farmers to import fertilizers directly from suppliers outside the country to augment local supplies while government develops a long-term solution to the fertilizer challenges.
