Zimbabwe has imposed restrictions on imports mainly from South Africa in a move to protect local industries and stem outflow of scarce dollars, Industry Minister Mike Bimha has said, Reuters news agency reports.
Speaking to Reuters, Bimha said that Importers of the affected products – from bottled water to furniture and canned beans to fertilisers according to the Official Gazette – will now have to apply for special licences and explain why they need them.
Bimha said:
“What we are saying is that if you had already imported your products before June 17, show us the proof and we will give you an import licence to bring the goods,” Bimha said.
“But going forward, if anyone wants to import these listed products then you need to provide justification before you are issued with a licence. We want to ensure our industries increase their capacity,” added Bimha.
The measure will last six months but can be extended, he said.
