Commodity

To export regulated materials from Namibia, you must apply for a phytosanitary certificate from the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Forestry using Form AP 4 and pay the required fee. The materials will be inspected by a plant quarantine officer, and if found free of pests or disease, a phytosanitary certificate will be issued.

In Namibia, importing plant material, pests, soil, or other specified items requires a permit and must be done through designated entry points with proper documentation. Failure to follow these rules can result in a fine of up to N$20,000 or imprisonment for up to 2 years.

When importing regulated articles, you must present them for inspection by a plant quarantine officer as soon as possible after arrival or at a directed time and place. You cannot move the article until the officer gives written consent, and failure to comply can result in a fine up to N$20,000 or imprisonment for up to 2 years.

If a plant quarantine officer finds that an imported regulated article violates Namibian regulations or poses a pest risk, they can direct the importer to treat, remove, or destroy it. In urgent cases, the officer may skip the notice and directly handle the destruction, with costs borne by the importer and no liability for the State or officers.

An importer or responsible person must ensure that regulated articles in transit through Namibia are not removed or transferred without the approval of a plant quarantine officer and that all related requirements are met. Violating these rules can result in a fine up to N$20,000 or imprisonment for up to 2 years, or both.

The Minister may create regulations on various aspects related to permits, fees, and the inspection and treatment of imported plant materials to prevent pests in Namibia. These regulations can cover procedures for quarantine, storage, and export, as well as the management of quarantine stations and exemptions for research. The regulations may vary in application, authorize specific approvals, and include penalties for non-compliance.

When an inspector takes a sample for analysis of any foodstuff, cosmetic, or disinfectant at an import harbor:

1. Detention: The sample and all similar items in the consignment are generally detained at the harbor until the analysis is complete.

2. Removal: With the Director's approval, the items may be removed if the owner provides a guarantee that they will not be sold or otherwise dealt with until the analysis is complete. If the items are deemed non-compliant, they must be returned or disposed of as directed by the Director.

3. Director’s Actions: Based on the analysis results, the Director can:
   - Confiscate and destroy the items.
   - Return them to the import harbor or their place of origin.
   - Allow importation under specific conditions.
   - Dispose of them in another manner as specified.

It is an offense to sell or import for sale foodstuffs, cosmetics, or disinfectants described in a misleading or prohibited manner. However, using a geographical name to describe a foodstuff is allowed if it is a generally accepted term for that type or variety of product, and the product matches that description.

The Minister reviews applications for import permits under regulation 2 and may either grant or reject them, issuing the permit in Form AP 2 if approved. The permit is valid for the period specified on it, after which a new permit must be applied for if the holder wishes to continue importing.

Inspections must occur between 08:00 and 17:00, Monday to Friday, and any inspection outside these hours requires a payment, while a clearance certificate will be issued upon payment of the specified fee.