The importation of drones by air, road or post requires a license from Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ)?

 

How to clear the drones

Clearance of Drones can be done individually or commercially using registered clearing agents. In both cases, the client needs to register the goods with the relevant Authority. In this case, one needs to visit Civil Aviation Authority Zimbabwe (CAAZ) for registration and clearance with the make, model and serial number of the drone. The Civil Aviation Act (CAP 13:16) regulates the importation of drones.

The Civil Aviation Act (CAP 13:16), defines an “aircraft” to include— (a) all flying machines, airplanes, sea-planes, flying boats, helicopters, gliders and other aircraft designed to be heavier than air; and (b) all airships, balloons and other aircraft designed to be lighter than air;

Section 42 of the same Act vests control of aviation in Zimbabwe in CAAZ in that;

(1) Subject to this Act, no person shall cause an aircraft to— (a) arrive in Zimbabwe; or (b) depart from Zimbabwe; or (c) overfly Zimbabwe; except with the Authority’s permission and in accordance with any terms and conditions specified by the Authority.

(2) Any person who contravenes subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level seven or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year or to both such fine and such imprisonment.

 

Commercial imports are cleared on a Bill of Entry Form 21 through a registered clearing agent. If the goods are less than US$1,000 (one thousand Untied States Dollars), they can be cleared on a commercial Form 49 with the use of the services of a clearing agent.

Private imports of drones can be cleared at the counters without the use of clearing agents. At the post offices, the drone can be cleared on a charged parcel docket Customs officers upon production of the clearance letter.

 

Which documents are required for clearance?

  • Invoice from the supplier
  • Consignment note/freight statement (where applicable)
  • Permits/licences from BAZ and POTRAZ for radio and television broadcasting drones
  • CAAZ Clearance Letter for drones.

 

Please Note:

  • Drones have to be properly declared and entered for clearance by Customs at the point of entry.

My Taxes, My Duties: Building my Zimbabwe!!

 

Disclaimer

This article was compiled by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority for information purposes only. ZIMRA shall not accept responsibility for loss or damage arising from use of material in this article and no liability will attach to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority. 

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