FAQs 

QUESTIONS

ANSWERS

• What information does the Namibia Trade Information portal provide?

• The Namibia Trade Portal provides trade-related regulatory information for cross-border business namely: import and export processes and procedures, downloadable forms, Acts, commodities by HS codes and their respective tariffs, levies, trade agreements that Namibia is involved in and related rules of origin provisions, duty calculator, trade statistics, business operator tools, list of key stakeholders on trade issues, and their contact details. 

• What is HS code and how can I find HS codes for my products?

• In international trade, each product is assigned a particular classification code using the Harmonised Commodity Description and Coding System or simply Harmonised System (HS). The HS is an international standardised system of classifying goods, it is based on a six-digit nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organisation (WCO). You can search your goods’ commodity (tariff) code by clicking on “Commodity and Tariff” on the ‘Trade in Goods’ menu bar to find the applicable HS (Tariff) Code. Use the description of the product to search for the tariff code.

• What are commercial goods?

• Goods are classified as commercial if they are imported for business or resale, or are samples for business purposes

• What documents are essential to import commercial goods?

• Shipping documents (Bill of Lading (BOL), Airway Bill (AWB), Rail or Road Consignment Note (RCN)). An authentic invoice from the supplier. Where applicable, import permits or licences, Phytosanitary Certificates, or authorisation documents. Certificate(s) of Origin where duty preference is sought depending on the Trade Agreement and packing list.

• Do I have to use a clearing agent/ broker to clear my commercial goods (imports or exports)?

• Yes. Using a Customs Agent or Broker to clear all commercial goods at importation/exportation is mandatory. Using a Customs Agent also ensures that all trade regulatory requirements are adequately complied with and may save unnecessary delays. Customs brokers and their employees exercise the rights and perform the obligations of customs declarants as prescribed in the Customs Act.

• Can you advise on the duty rates for my imports?

• Duty rates/Tariffs can be found in the SACU Tariff book administered by NamRA. The tariff book is also available on the Namibia Trade Portal. The duty rates can be found by searching the HS commodity list or tariff code for the particular goods you intend to import and export. The duty rates of all applicable taxes are indicated against the commodity (tariff) code of all products..

• Do I need to complete a customs declaration when I arrive in Namibia?

• You can just walk through the Nothing to Declare or Green Channel. If you are carrying goods in excess of the duty-free allowance or if you are in doubt, you should walk through the Red Channel and declare the goods to the Customs Officer on duty. 

• What categories of imports are exempt from paying duties?

• Goods for diplomatic missions, all goods and vehicles imported by approved international organisations, NGO's, etc. 

• Are there tariffs imposed on goods imported from the SACU region?

• SACU is a customs union, therefore there is free movement of goods within its territory and goods are not charged any tariffs. One is only required to pay VAT. However, there are different levies for specific goods in to Namibia and other countries. Tariffs are only paid for goods from third parties.

• What is the policy regarding issuing permits for imports/exports of goods from/into Namibia?

• In general, all imports into Namibia require an import permit from MIT which is automatically granted. For controlled products, import and export permits must be secured from the relevant ministry before one applies for an import permit from MIT. For example, agriculture or mining products have specific import/export requirements. It is recommended to specify goods to be imported/exported to enable the TIP office to provide you with policy information pertaining to the importation/exportation thereof.

• What is the procedure for issuing export and import permits?

• The procedure for application is provided on the NTIP. Application forms must be completed and submitted. These forms are available electronically and are downloadable.

• Are application forms available electronically?

• Application forms must be completed and submitted. These forms are available electronically and are downloadable from the websites of the respective OMAS, as well as on the NTIP.

• What is the average waiting period before a permit is issued by MIT?

• If all required documents and information are provided and uploaded on the MIT system, it takes less than 30 minutes for the permit to be issued.

• What are the costs involved?

• There is no cost involved for import or export permits. Permits are issued free of charge.

• What rebate provisions are available?

• There are various rebate provisions available, for instance, for the importation of goods solely for manufacturing/finishing and re-export, etc. In this regard, please see https://www.namra.org.na/customs-excise/page/general-rebates-refunds-and-drawbacks. Schedule No 3 for industrial rebates and Schedule No4 for general rebates.

• What are the tariff duties applicable on my imports?

• Tariff duties vary depending on the specific goods or commodities. Additionally, preferential duty rates may apply if the goods originate from a country with a preferential trade agreement with the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). You can find the specific applicable duties on the Namibia Trade Information Portal (NTIP). 
• Different rates of duty are applicable to different goods or commodities. This also depends on whether the goods are eligible for preferential treatment, namely if or not the source country has a preferential trade agreement with SACU. Specific applicable duties can be found in the NTIP

• What assistance is available from government to potential SME exporters?

• A number of organisations, ministries and agencies like the Namibia Investment and Promotion Board, Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade's Directorate of Industrial Development, Agricultural Trade Forum, National Trade Forum, etc provide export promotion assistance to SMEs.

• Where can one get trade statistics?

• Trade statistics can be obtained from the Namibia Statistics Agency. Website: www.nsa.org.na 

• Where can I get the contact details of foreign importers and exporters of goods of interest to me?

• Contact particulars of foreign suppliers or buyers are not at the disposal of NTIP, butNamibia Trade Forum, Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Namibia's foreign trade representatives could assist in this regard. You can also consult various other websites such as Abrahams wiki https://en.abrahams.wiki

• What are the regulations for investing in Namibia?

• Namibia is open for investments. For more detail, please contact the Namibia Investment and Promotion Board at https://nipdb.com