Commodity

To access, research, or commercialize biological and genetic resources in Namibia, or to export them, you must apply for an access permit and follow specific regulations. Additionally, you need an export permit and a material transfer agreement to transfer these resources or associated traditional knowledge.

A person who dishonestly obtains access and benefit-sharing agreements, illegally possesses or exports biological or genetic resources or traditional knowledge, faces a fine of up to N$150,000 or imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both, and may also be required to repair environmental damage caused by their offence.

Importers of controlled products must register with the Board and hold the necessary certificates for horticultural trading or milling. Entities involved in the production, processing, storage, and marketing of controlled products must also submit required information to the Board.

Import restrictions may apply to certain controlled products, and permits won't be issued for restricted or soon to be restricted products, with updates regularly published on the Board's website.

At the port of entry, the Border Control Inspector checks all documents to ensure that consignments of controlled products meet import permit conditions and regulations. If the consignment is cleared, it can proceed, but if it's rejected, it will be detained until the issues are resolved. After inland inspection, if the product meets requirements, it will be approved for further processing or distribution; otherwise, a rejection report is issued, and the importer must submit and execute a disposal plan within a set timeframe.