Duty on materials for training the blind

THE Customs and Excise (General) Regulations, 2001 as published in Statutory Instrument 154 of 2001, provides for a rebate of duty on selected imported materials to be used in occupational therapy or for the occupational training of the blind. This means that such materials can be imported by a public body, association or institution recognised by the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, duty-free and Value Added Tax (VAT) free. Who qualifies? A public body, association or institution involved in occupational therapy or occupational training of the blind approved by the Minister of Finance and Economic Development.

Organisations that deal with occupational therapy

Pediatric occupational therapy centres

Acute care hospitals In-patient rehabilitation centres that help in recovery and adaptation for people with disabilities

Rehabilitation centres treating stroke, spinal cord injuries, and head injuries Home health centres Specialist assessment and productive aging centres Goods that qualify The materials that qualify under this rebate include consumables from which something is made.

The following materials are commonly imported for use in occupational therapy and may be imported under rebate: Canes - walking sticks for the blind Prosthetic eyes - artificial replacement eyes to retain the shape of the face

Prosthetic and orthopedic equipment namely; artificial feet and hands, knee and hip joints, and elbow units

Materials for manufacture of orthopedic equipment namely; raisings and glues, fibre glass, carbon fibre, and hard form.

Materials for leatherwork, paperwork, raffia work, rug making and needlework as well as paints, cottons, yarn and string.

Please note that tools like POP cutters, implements and equipment such as weaving looms, welding machines and ovens do NOT qualify for this rebate. Procedure for clearance The Chairman, Secretary or the responsible officer of the organisation wishing to enjoy this rebate must submit the following documents to their nearest ZIMRA Regional Office:

Written application letter addressed to the Commissioner General

Certified copy of the religious organisation’s constitution

Proof of physical address in the form of certified copies of title deeds or long lease agreement and utility bills

Letter of undertaking that the goods so imported would be solely for use by the organisation and would not be sold or disposed of

A comprehensive list of the goods; and

Proforma invoice for the goods to be imported with clear descriptions and quantities.

It should be noted that any additional goods on the consignment that are not specified in the letter of authorisation to clear under this rebate will be liable to duty at the applicable rates. Conditions on disposal If any of the goods are to be sold or otherwise disposed of, the duty that was payable at the time of importation of the goods becomes due and payable; and the organisation must seek the ZIMRA Commissioner General’s approval prior to disposal. 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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