Government has introduced a consolidated regulatory framework governing imports and exports following the promulgation of Statutory Instrument 59 of 2026, a move authorities say is aimed at simplifying compliance and improving the ease of doing business.
In a press statement, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce said the new instrument represents “a significant milestone in the nation’s regulatory reform agenda” after extensive consultations with industry stakeholders.
The Ministry said SI 59 of 2026 merges previously fragmented regulations into a single framework designed to eliminate administrative inefficiencies that have long affected businesses.
“Historically, the regulation of imports and exports was dispersed across 16 separate Statutory Instruments,” the Ministry said. “This fragmented approach often resulted in administrative inefficiencies, confusion among stakeholders, and difficulties in identifying the precise regulations applicable to specific goods.”
According to the statement, the new instrument formally repeals the earlier legal instruments and introduces a unified system that provides businesses with a clearer regulatory reference point.
“This consolidation simplifies the regulatory landscape, providing a one-stop reference point for all regulated products, thereby reducing compliance costs and administrative burdens for businesses,” the Ministry said.
Expanded List of Regulated Goods
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Beyond consolidation, authorities have widened the scope of regulated goods to align with current industrial realities and emerging market trends.
The Ministry said the expanded list now includes water treatment chemicals, footwear, noodles and related pasta products, engineering products, iron and steel products, cement clinker, metal and plastic packaging materials, as well as paper and printed materials.
“This expansion is designed to protect local industry, ensure consumer safety, and maintain quality standards across critical sectors of the economy,” the statement noted.
Officials indicated that the changes were informed by consultations with manufacturing sectors and industry bodies to ensure the regulatory framework remains responsive to evolving economic needs.
Shift Toward Efficient Service Delivery
The Ministry also highlighted efforts to modernise service delivery, encouraging stakeholders to make use of digital platforms when applying for licences and regulatory approvals.
“To facilitate ease of access, stakeholders are encouraged to utilize the online application platform accessible via zimeservices.pfms.gov.zw,” the Ministry said.
For businesses requiring physical assistance, services have been decentralised to provincial offices in Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, Gweru, Masvingo, Chinhoyi, Bindura, Gwanda, Lupane and Marondera.
The Ministry urged industry players, importers and exporters to familiarise themselves with the provisions of SI 59 of 2026, describing the reform as a decisive step toward a more transparent and business-friendly regulatory environment.
“This reform marks a decisive step toward a more streamlined, transparent, and business-friendly regulatory environment, reinforcing our commitment to industrial growth and economic development,” the Ministry said.
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