Vehicle Import Duty Calculator

ZRA specific duty rates for used motor vehicles imported into Zambia.

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Petrol and diesel attract identical specific duty rates

Total Import Duty

K 25,261.80
Duty Breakdown 5+ years Sedan (1000cc and under)
Specific Duty
K 25,138.60
Carbon Emission Surtax
K 123.20
Total Payable
K 25,261.80

Includes Customs Duty, Excise Duty, VAT, Motor Vehicle Fee, ASYCUDA Fee, and Motor Vehicle Surtax 2.

How It Works

What Is Included in the Duty Total

Customs Duty
Included
Excise Duty
Included
VAT (16%)
Included
Motor Vehicle Fee
Included
ASYCUDA Processing Fee
Included
Motor Vehicle Surtax 2
Included
Carbon Emission Surtax
Added separately

Carbon Emission Surtax (USD)

Motorcycles
K 123.20
Up to 1500cc
K 123.20
1501cc - 2000cc
K 246.40
2001cc - 3000cc
K 352.00
Over 3000cc
K 484.00

Key Rules to Know

Hybrid vehicles
Not covered - contact ZRA directly
Vehicle age
Measured from year of manufacture
Petrol vs diesel
Same specific duty for passenger cars
Source
ZRA Specific Duty Rates 2025

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.

Why do hybrid vehicles not appear in this calculator?

ZRA's specific duty rates are NOT applicable to used hybrid motor vehicles. If you are importing a hybrid, you will need to contact ZRA directly or use the ad valorem duty method based on the vehicle's CIF value rather than the fixed specific duty table.

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 2020 Toyota Corolla sedan (1500cc, 5+ years old) from Japan. The ZRA specific duty for a sedan with engine up to 1500cc (5+ years) covers customs duty, excise, VAT, and all fees in one amount. Add the carbon emission surtax of K123.20 for engines up to 1500cc. Use this calculator with your exact vehicle type and engine size for the precise total.

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Sources

# Issuer Description
1 ZRA
Customs and Excise Duty

Official specific duty rates for used motor vehicle imports.

View
2 Parliament
Customs and Excise Act

Legal framework governing import duties and excise on motor vehicles.

View

Zamcalc results are estimates only. Figures are based on publicly sourced rates from official Zambian authorities (ZRA, NAPSA, NHIMA, ZESCO, ERB, HELSB, BoZ and others) and are updated when laws or tariffs change. They should not be treated as professional tax, financial, or legal advice. Always verify with your employer, the relevant authority, or a licensed professional before making financial decisions. Zamcalc is not liable for any action taken based on these results.