Malawi Tightens Vehicle Taxes with New Carbon Levies and Mzuzu City Road Fees

The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) announced a sharp increase in carbon tax on imported motor vehicles, scaling the levy by engine capacity. Vehicles up to 2,000 cc will now face a tax of K40,000 (up from K4,000), those with 2,001‑3,000 cc K60,000 (up from K8,000), and engines above 3,000 cc K90,000 (up from K15,500). The measure aims to curb emissions and push importers toward smaller, fuel‑efficient models, MRA officer Gilbert Chamba said.

Separately, the Mzuzu City Council will begin charging road‑user fees at three checkpoints—Dunduzu Road Block, Lusangazi on the M1, and Joel Road Block on the M5—starting 10 August. The council says the fees will fund road‑maintenance projects across Mzuzu, addressing the city’s deteriorating infrastructure and rising fuel costs for motorists.