Sending a Loved One's Belongings Back to Zimbabwe After Death: Customs, Shipping, and Family Expectations

When a Zimbabwean dies in the UK, the repatriation of the body understandably takes priority — but the question of what happens to their personal belongings is equally important to families back home. Managing this process well requires understanding UK procedures, Zimbabwean customs regulations, and the practical expectations of receiving families. ## Personal Belongings at the Time of Death If a person dies in the UK without family present, personal belongings found on or near the body are typically held by the police or, in cases involving a coroner, by the court. It is the responsibility of family members or an appointed representative to arrange collection of these items. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) explicitly states that it cannot assist with the cost of returning personal belongings to Zimbabwe. When a specialist repatriation company is engaged, some — such as BE Assistance International — include shipping of the deceased's personal belongings as part of their repatriation package. It is worth confirming this explicitly when comparing quotes, as not all providers include it as standard. Where clothing has been retained as evidence in an investigation, it will not be released until any court proceedings conclude. ## Shipping Belongings Separately For larger estates — furniture, appliances, clothing, and household goods accumulated over years in the UK — families often need to arrange a separate international cargo shipment. This is distinct from the repatriation of the body itself and follows standard international freight procedures. Reputable removal and freight companies operating routes between the UK and Zimbabwe can consolidate goods into shared containers to reduce costs. The key customs consideration in Zimbabwe is the **Inheritance Rebate**, administered by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) under Section 130 of the General Regulations, read with Section 120(1)(b) of the Customs and Excise Act. This provision allows persons residing in Zimbabwe who inherit goods following a death — whether by will (bequest) or intestacy — to import those goods with a rebate on customs duty. **Qualifying goods under the Inheritance Rebate include:** - Used personal and household effects - One motor vehicle or one motorcycle (subject to specifications on vehicle type and Gross Vehicle Weight) - Goods must be for personal use, not commercial or trade purposes To claim the rebate, the beneficiary must produce either a certified copy of the deceased's will or, where there is no will, a certificate from a duly constituted court in the country where the person died confirming their entitlement under intestacy rules. Separately, under Zimbabwe's Control of Goods (Import and Export) regulations (including S.I. 59 of 2026), an import licence is not required for goods forming part of a deceased estate. This removes a significant administrative hurdle for families receiving inherited goods from abroad. ## Motor Vehicles as Part of an Estate Vehicles belonging to deceased estates are also afforded special treatment under Zimbabwean customs rules. Even second-hand motor vehicles aged ten years and above — which would otherwise face restrictions — are permitted entry into Zimbabwe when they form part of an inherited estate. Families considering shipping a vehicle as part of a loved one's estate should ensure they have the appropriate legal documentation confirming inheritance before shipping, as ZIMRA will require this at the point of customs clearance. ## Practical Steps for Families 1. **Appoint an executor or legal representative in Zimbabwe** who can handle ZIMRA paperwork and customs clearance at the receiving end. If the estate is complex or high in value, a Zimbabwean lawyer may be necessary. 2. **Obtain certified copies of the will or court documents** confirming intestacy. UK solicitors or notaries can certify documents for international use, sometimes requiring an apostille stamp for legal recognition in Zimbabwe. 3. **Get an itemised inventory** of all goods being shipped. ZIMRA and customs officials at Beit Bridge or Harare Airport will require a detailed manifest of the consignment. 4. **Confirm whether personal belongings are included** in any body repatriation package arranged through a UK specialist. Companies such as Slaters International, Homeland International, and Global Funeral Repatriation offer varying levels of service. 5. **Allow sufficient time.** Body repatriation alone typically takes 7 to 10 working days under normal circumstances. Separate cargo shipments by sea freight can take six to ten weeks depending on the route and consolidation schedules. Air freight is faster but significantly more expensive. ## What Receiving Families in Zimbabwe Expect In Zimbabwean culture, a person's belongings carry deep significance. Families expect to receive the deceased's clothing, personal effects, and household goods intact and respectfully handled. The distribution of a deceased person's property — particularly among extended family — often follows customary processes, especially in rural areas, and can involve elders or clan representatives. Families in the UK managing an estate should be mindful that decisions about what to ship, sell, or donate can carry cultural weight beyond their legal implications. For families navigating both grief and logistics across two countries, engaging a trusted community organisation or diaspora welfare group in the UK can provide both practical guidance and emotional support during an already difficult time.