Measure expected to support local production capacity at Manhize and other plants
The Government of Zimbabwe has gazetted Statutory Instrument 46 of 2025, amending the Control of Goods (Import and Export) Regulations to introduce import licensing requirements for selected iron and steel products. The regulation, which falls under the Control of Goods Act [Chapter 14:05], came into effect on 3 May 2025.
Under this new statutory instrument, several iron and steel products — including flat-rolled products, bars and rods, and structural sections such as U, I, H, L, and T profiles — have been removed from the Open General Import Licence of 1974. They will now require a formal import licence issued by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce prior to entry into the country.
The Ministry has stated that the move is intended to manage the volume and type of steel imports entering Zimbabwe. It is also aimed at promoting local industrial development, particularly in light of the operationalisation of the Dinson Iron and Steel Company (DISCO) plant at Manhize. The facility, which began operations in late 2024, is expected to position Zimbabwe as a key player in the regional steel value chain, producing a range of products including billets, rebar, and structural steel.
Similar policy tools have been used in other countries. In South Africa, the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) regularly applies import tariffs and safeguard measures to protect local steel manufacturers from unfair trade practices. India, a major steel producer, uses import duties and quality control orders to restrict substandard or excess imports and ensure market stability. Indonesia also enforces strict import controls to support domestic value addition in the steel sector. Zimbabwe’s decision, while restrictive in form, follows these precedents and is consistent with industrial policy strategies used in other developing economies to protect emerging manufacturing capacity.
Although this is not a ban on steel imports, it introduces a non-automatic licensing requirement, effectively tightening administrative controls. It may affect traders and construction firms that rely on imported steel products, depending on how swiftly and transparently the Ministry processes licence applications. Industry stakeholders will be watching closely for the publication of specific guidelines or procedural updates regarding the application process.
As a signatory to regional and continental trade agreements such as SADC and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Zimbabwe is expected to ensure that the licensing regime is non-discriminatory and in line with trade obligations. Under these frameworks, import licensing is permitted for reasons of industrial policy or balance-of-payments protection, provided it does not create unnecessary barriers to trade.
While the long-term success of the regulation will depend on its implementation and impact on pricing and availability of steel products, government officials have indicated that the primary goal is to ensure a market for domestically produced steel and reduce over-reliance on foreign suppliers. The move could also support job creation and enhance Zimbabwe’s trade balance by substituting imports with locally manufactured products.
