The government has moved to reduce the number of businesses that can import duty-free powdered milk from 20 to 21.
Among the 12 companies to continue to enjoy the waiver is the debt-ridden Alpha Omega Dairy (Pvt) Ltd owned by former President Robert Gabriel Mugabe.
Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube regulated the suspension of duty for various powdered milk importers which came into effect on January 1, 2019, and will run until December 31 2019.
Under the provisions gazetted on Friday, the multi-million-dollar business located in Mazowe will be allowed to import a maximum of 100 000 kilograms full cream milk powder per annum and a maximum of 50 000 kg skimmed milk powder.
Dendairy Private Limited and Dairiboard Zimbabwe have the highest duty-free import margin.
The pair has been granted a ring-fenced quantity of 1, 5 million kgs for full cream milk powder per annum. Further, Dairibord may import 1, 8 million kgs skimmed milk powder, with Dendairy granted a cap of 530 000 kg.
Other goods imported for physically handicapped persons that include contact lenses, electric wheelchair, talking calculator, charts published in braille and sight correction materials are now eligible for a rebate. The regulations came in effect on January 1 2019.