Public Notice 32 of 2026 Forfeiture of Unclaimed funds
ZIMRA warns that unused deposits left unclaimed in its prepayment accounts beyond the legal period are forfeited to the State and will not be refunded.
ZIMRA has notified importers, exporters, clearing agents and the public that unutilised deposits held in ZIMRA prepayment accounts, left unclaimed beyond the legally stipulated period, are liable to forfeiture to the State under the Customs and Excise Act and the Customs and Excise (General) Regulations, 2001.
Forfeiture means the claimant's legal right to the money is extinguished and ZIMRA has no further obligation to refund it. Claims not made within the applicable prescription period are deemed to have lapsed by operation of law.
The notice says it is sufficient notice to all affected parties. It does not state the length of the prescription period, so anyone with money in a prepayment account should check with ZIMRA. It was issued on 4 June 2026.
What changed
- Unclaimed prepayment deposits beyond the legal period are liable to forfeiture to the State.
- Forfeited amounts are not refundable and late claims are treated as lapsed.
Who this affects
- Importers
- Exporters
- Clearing agents
- Anyone with unused deposits in a ZIMRA prepayment account
Plain-language summary — not legal advice. Always read the full instrument.