Parliament Gardens, Theo Ben Gurirab, 13347, Robert Mugabe Ave, Windhoek, Namibia
tradeportal@mirco.gov.na

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Republic of Namibia

Ministry of International Relations & Trade

Namibia Trade Information Portal

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Key Sectors

Trade Measures and Regulations

Type

Class

Name Type Class Summary Validity From Validity To
Pictures, Warnings and Statements Inspection Requirement
Goods
01/04/2014
Port of entry General
Goods

Importation of regulated material under section 4(2)(a) of the Act is restricted to specific ports and airports. These include major airports like Hosea Kutako International Airport, Eros Airport, and Mpacha Airport; seaports like Walvis Bay and Lüderitz; and various border posts, rail stations, and post offices across the country, such as Oshikango, Oranjemund, and Windhoek Railway Station.

27/06/2012
Possession, disposal, enrichment, re-processing and export of source material specified in Part 5 of Schedule 1 General
Goods

No one can possess, dispose of, enrich, reprocess, import, or export certain source materials in Namibia without written permission from the Minister and must meet specific conditions. To obtain this permission, a person must apply in a form specified by the Minister, providing all necessary documents and information.

31/12/1992
Powers and duties of inspectorate of manufacturers, builders, importers and number plate manufacturer Licensing Requirement
Goods

The inspectorate evaluates and monitors manufacturers, builders, importers, and number plate manufacturers to ensure compliance with regulations, and makes recommendations to the Minister about registration and standards. They can inspect, test, and enter premises without notice, and advise or recommend changes to registration based on compliance.

06/04/2001
Powers in relation to articles unlawfully imported or presenting risk General
Goods

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.

27/10/2008
Powers of board Permit Requirement
Goods

The board has the authority, with the Minister's approval, to require certain people or groups involved with controlled products to keep records and provide information. It can also prohibit the sale or export of controlled products unless the producer or speculator is registered and meets the board's conditions. Additionally, no one can export controlled products from Namibia without a permit issued by the board if such exports are prohibited.

22/08/2023
Powers of Minister in Relation to Import and Export of Goods General
Goods

The Minister may, in the public interest, issue a notice in the Gazette to prohibit or restrict the import or export of specific goods into or from Namibia, either entirely or under certain conditions specified in a permit. Goods can be classified based on their source, destination, or purpose. Permits may also specify the quantity, value, price, timeframe, and conditions for import or export, including rules on possession, ownership, or use after importation.

The Minister, or an authorized person, can cancel, amend, or suspend any permit if its conditions are not met, if the permit holder is convicted under the Act, or if it's in the public interest. The Minister can also amend or withdraw any public notice. Additionally, the Minister can require anyone involved in importing, exporting, manufacturing, or handling goods to provide relevant information within a specified timeframe.

30/11/1994
Powers of Minister in relation to import and export of goods Prohibited Goods
Goods
30/11/1994
Powers which Minister may Exercise in the Interests of Public Safety or the Maintenance of Law and Order or in order to Prohibit or Restrict Importation or Possession of Certain Articles General
Goods
Print and Appearance of Pictures, Warnings and Statements Restriction
Goods
01/04/2014
Procedure for change of particulars of holder of motor trade number Licensing Requirement
Goods

If a partner dies or leaves a partnership, or a new partner joins, or a person inherits a business with a motor trade number, the number remains valid for its original term, and the new owner is considered the holder of that number.

06/04/2001
Procedure for change of particulars of manufacturer, builder, import(‘r or number plate manufacturer Licensing Requirement
Goods

Registered manufacturers, builders, importers, or number plate manufacturers must notify the Minister of any changes to their details within 21 days, and the Minister will then update the relevant register.

06/04/2001
Procedure for hearings Licensing Requirement
Goods

If a person or institution is found guilty, the presiding officer must recommend deregistration and may impose a fine up to N$ 24,000, but importers and similar entities cannot be both deregistered and fined.

06/04/2001
Procedures to be followed when CITES specimen are imported, exported or introduced from the sea Permit Requirement
Goods

Anyone authorized to handle wildlife specimens under CITES must report their actions to the CITES Office within 14 days, and the Minister can require permit holders to keep records and report on the management of the wildlife.

15/08/2011
Prohibition of certain actions without authorisation, licence and registration Prohibited Goods
Goods

No person may possess, import, export, or transport any radiation source or nuclear material unless explicitly authorized by a license. Additionally, no one may instruct or permit others to perform these activities on their behalf without such authorization.

16/05/2005
Prohibition of Export of Livestock without Permit Permit Requirement
Goods

Livestock export or consignment to controlled abattoirs requires a non-transferable permit from the Board, which controls the quota and allotment process. Licensed farmers or speculators must submit a declaration and permit application to the Board at least six weeks before export or consignment. Additionally, all applicable levies must be paid before the livestock can be exported.

01/06/1963
Prohibition of import of certain ozone depleting substances General
Goods
01/01/2021
Prohibition of importation or exportation of arms and ammunition without permit Licensing Requirement
Goods

No one, except on behalf of the State, can import or export arms or ammunition in Namibia, including items in transit, without a permit issued under section 23. However, this does not apply to licensed individuals importing their own arms and compatible ammunition.

11/06/1996
Prohibition of sale, manufacture or importation of certain articles Prohibited Goods
Goods

Under the law, it is an offense to:

1. Sell, Manufacture, or Import:
   - Foodstuffs, cosmetics, or disinfectants with prohibited substances, or those containing higher levels of substances than permitted.
   - Products that do not meet prescribed standards or are prohibited by regulations.
   - Contaminated, impure, decayed, or harmful products.

2. Treat or Alter Products:
   - Using prohibited substances or methods that make the product harmful to health.

Exceptions:
- The provisions do not apply if a foodstuff contains a non-harmful substance necessary for its proper condition, or if the substance is within regulated limits and not intended to deceive.


- "Manufactures" includes altering products in ways that make them prohibited by this law.

27/08/1979
Prohibition of unauthorized importation, supply or possession of certain firearms or classes of articles Licensing Requirement
Goods

No one, except on behalf of the State or with a permit from the Minister, may import, supply, or possess any armament in Namibia. This includes cannons, machine guns, rocket launchers, projectiles, grenades, explosives, incendiary devices, and their parts or imitations, as well as ammunition designed to explode on impact.

The Minister may issue a permit to import, supply, or possess armaments after an application and payment of fees, subject to specified conditions. The Minister can withdraw the permit at any time. Subsection (1) does not apply to guns or projectiles used solely for whaling. If a person becomes disqualified or the permit is withdrawn, the police can seize the armament without a warrant, and it will be handled according to the law.

11/06/1996