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Vehicle Import Duty Calculator
Calculate ZRA duty or estimate the total landed cost of importing a used vehicle into Zambia (live exchange rates).
Total Import Duty
Total includes Customs Duty, Excise Duty, VAT, Motor Vehicle Fee, ASYCUDA Fee, and Motor Vehicle Surtax 2.
Over 5 years old
This 5+ years Sedan (1501cc - 2500cc) falls in the 5+ year age bracket with a total duty of K 34,090.52. Older vehicles typically have lower specific duty than newer imports of the same type.
How It Works
What Is Included in the Duty Total
Carbon Emission Surtax (USD)
Key Rules to Know
Total Landed Cost - Estimated Fees
Frequently Asked Questions
What taxes are included in the ZRA specific duty total?
The specific duty amount shown covers Customs Duty, Excise Duty, VAT, Motor Vehicle Fee, ASYCUDA Processing Fee, and Motor Vehicle Surtax 2 - all bundled into one fixed figure. You must add the Carbon Emission Surtax separately depending on engine size.
How is duty calculated for hybrid or electric vehicles?
ZRA's specific duty rates do NOT apply to hybrid or electric vehicles. Instead, duty is calculated using the ad valorem method based on the vehicle's CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value - 25% customs duty, 30% excise duty, and 16% VAT on the cumulative total. Select "Hybrid" or "Electric" as the fuel type in this calculator to see the breakdown.
Are rates different for diesel vs petrol vehicles?
For passenger cars (87.03), ZRA charges the same specific duty regardless of whether the engine is petrol or diesel. The total taxes in the ZRA tables are identical for both fuel types across all body styles and engine sizes.
What is the cut-off between "2-5 years" and "5+ years" vehicle age?
ZRA classifies a vehicle as "2-5 years old" (Part I rates) or "5 years and older" (Part II rates) based on the year of manufacture relative to the year of importation. A vehicle manufactured in 2020 imported in 2025 is 5 years old - use the 5+ year rates. When in doubt, confirm the exact age with ZRA before clearing.
Does GVW matter for pickup trucks and vans?
Yes. For goods vehicles (87.04) such as single cab pickups, double cabs, panel vans, and trucks, ZRA uses the vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) to determine the specific duty band. The GVW is the maximum total weight of the vehicle including passengers and cargo, and is printed on the vehicle's specifications plate.
How much does it cost to import a car into Zambia? Show me an example.
Example: A 2014 Honda Fit hatchback (1300cc, 5+ years old) from Japan. The ZRA specific duty is K29,491.36 (covers customs duty, excise, VAT, and all fees). Add the carbon emission surtax of K123.20 for engines up to 1500cc, bringing the total duty to K29,614.56. Switch to "Total Landed Cost" mode to estimate the full cost including vehicle price, freight, clearing, and registration fees.
What is Total Landed Cost and what does it include?
Total Landed Cost is the full price of getting a vehicle from the seller to your driveway in Zambia. It includes the vehicle's CIF value (purchase price + insurance + freight), ZRA import duty, Jevic pre-shipment inspection, clearing agent fees, port handling charges, transport from the border, RTSA fitness and registration, road tax, and third-party insurance.
What is a Jevic inspection and is it mandatory?
Yes. Jevic (or equivalent BVQI/QISJ) is a mandatory pre-shipment inspection done in the country of export before the vehicle is shipped. It verifies the vehicle's roadworthiness, mileage, and specifications. Without a valid inspection certificate, ZRA will not clear the vehicle. The fee is typically around K3,110.00.
How much does a clearing agent charge in Zambia?
Clearing agent fees typically range from K1,500 to K5,000 depending on the agent, vehicle value, and complexity. This calculator uses K3,000.00 as a default estimate, but you can adjust this to match your agent's quote.
Does this calculator use live exchange rates?
Yes. When you enter a CIF value in a foreign currency (USD, GBP, ZAR, etc.), this calculator converts it to Kwacha using live market exchange rates that update every 2 hours. This gives you a much more accurate duty estimate than using a fixed or outdated rate.
See current ratesGet notified when import duty rates change.
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Learn
All postsHow to Calculate Vehicle Import Duty in Zambia (2026)
Step-by-step guide to calculating ZRA specific duty on used vehicle imports into Zambia, with worked examples using popular models like the Honda Fit.
Zambia Road Tax 2026 - Pay Online, Penalties, Rates & Exemptions
Everything you need to know about paying road tax in Zambia - RTSA rates, online payment options, quarterly payments, penalties for non-payment, and exemptions.
How Much is Road Tax in Zambia? Rates by Vehicle Type (2026)
Road tax in Zambia ranges from K74 (motorcycle) to K5,500 (heavy trucks) per year. Honda Fit pays K733; Mark X pays K917. Full RTSA table with quarterly rates.
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Sources
Zamcalc results are estimates only. Figures are based on rates published by official sources. Verify with the relevant authority or a licensed professional before taking any action. Zamcalc is not liable for decisions based on these figures.