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
Export processing zone enterprises General
Goods

An export processing zone enterprise certificate will not be issued to any business that does not create jobs, generate export earnings, or intend to engage in manufacturing, exporting, or importing within the zone.

Export permits for Schedule 4 substances or specified Schedule 3 substances General
Goods

A person who intends to apply for a permit referred to in section 29(15)(b) of the Act for the exportation of a specified Schedule 3 substance; or section 29(23)(b) of the Act for the exportation of a Schedule 4 substance.

25/07/2008
Export of Polished Diamonds General
Goods

Anyone planning to export polished diamonds of a specified weight from Namibia must notify the Minister at least 14 days in advance. The Minister may examine the diamonds within this period to confirm they are polished. If confirmed, the diamonds must be sealed before export. If the Minister does not examine the diamonds within 14 days, they can be exported without examination or sealing. Violating these regulations can result in a fine of up to N$1,000,000, up to 20 years in prison, or both.

01/04/2000
Export of plants or seed Restriction
Goods

To export seeds from Namibia, a person must have a certificate from the Registrar authorizing the export. The application for the certificate must be made in the prescribed manner and include the required fee. The Registrar may inspect, sample, and test the seeds before granting the certificate, and the applicant must pay for these services. The Registrar can prohibit the export if deemed necessary. Exceptions exist for seeds intended for non-cultivation purposes or small quantities. Violating these regulations can result in a fine up to N$10,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both.

31/12/2018
Export of meat or meat products to prescribed countries. General
Goods
17/12/1991
Export of meat or meat products to prescribed countries General
Goods

Meat or meat products from certain animals can only be exported to specific countries if they meet strict processing and storage requirements at approved facilities. If the Director finds that these products contain prohibited substances or do not meet the necessary conditions, they cannot be exported.

28/11/1994
Export of Goods from Customs and Excise Warehouse General
Goods

Exporters must pay duty on goods from a customs warehouse unless they provide proof of removal from the common customs area; failure to comply with export rules or conditions may lead to refusal of export entry or additional requirements.

01/08/0998
Export of diamondiferous concentrate Permit Requirement
Goods

No one is allowed to export diamondiferous concentrate from Namibia without a permit, unless acting under a lawful agreement with the permit holder. Any unpolished diamonds recovered from the exported concentrate must be returned to Namibia within the period specified in the permit. Violating these regulations can result in a fine of up to N$1,000,000, up to 20 years in prison, or both.

01/04/2000
Export levy goods and rates of export levy Duty/Tax Payable
Services

Goods listed in the schedules of this Act are subject to an export levy at specified rates, and the Minister has the authority to amend these schedules, including adding or removing goods, changing levy rates, or introducing new schedules.

01/06/2016
Existing contracts, undertakings or agreements General
Goods

The provision allows existing contracts related to the advertising of tobacco products and the organization, sponsorship, or promotion of activities by tobacco companies in Namibia to remain valid for up to six months after the enforcement of the Act. This applies to any agreements that were binding as of the Act's effective date. However, there are conditions outlined in subregulation (2) that may affect this continuation.

Exempted and Prohibited Telecommunications Equipment Licensing Requirement
Goods

Certain telecommunications equipment listed in Annexure B are exempt from type approval and must be recorded in a register published by the Authority. The Authority can also publish a list of prohibited telecommunications equipment, which cannot be imported, sold, or connected, and may restrict the importation of equipment that poses risks or interference.

21/08/2023
Duties payable on unpolished diamonds Duty/Tax Payable
Goods

Any person entitled to export unpolished diamonds from Namibia must pay a 10% duty on the diamond's value before it is released by the Minister. This payment is split between the Diamond Valuation Fund and the State Revenue Fund. Those who pay this duty are exempt from paying royalties under the Minerals Act. However, no duty is required if it has already been paid or if the diamond was not recovered in Namibia. The Minister may remit, refund, or defer duty payments under certain conditions, and must report all such actions to the National Assembly annually.

01/04/2000
Duties of manufacturer, builder or importer who are not required to register Licensing Requirement
Goods

Manufacturers, builders, or importers must get approval for any motor vehicle design or modification, obtain a letter of authority, and secure a roadworthy certificate from the Namibian Police before registering the vehicle.

06/04/2001
Donation of game and game meat General
Goods
Disposal of undesirable medicines General
Goods

If the Council believes it is not in the public's interest for a medicine or scheduled substance to be available, it can:

1. Issue a Notice:
   - Direct a person via written notice or through the Gazette to:
     - Return the medicine or substance in their possession to the manufacturer, supplier, or importer.
     - Deliver or send the medicine to another person designated by the Council.

2. Direct Manufacturers, Suppliers, or Importers:
   - Instruct them, via written notice, to manage any quantity of the specified medicine or substance, including those returned in response to previous directions.

Detention of imported articles Inspection Requirement
Goods

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.

Detention and sampling of imported fertilizers, farm feeds, seeds and remedies Inspection Requirement
Goods

(ii) at the option of the importer to be removed from the Union within a
specified period; or

(b) permit the removal thereof from the port or place of entry subject to such
conditions as he may determine.

01/07/1972
Designation of Places of Entry, Authorised Roads and Routes, and Related Issues General
Goods

The Permanent Secretary is authorized to designate specific places, routes, and facilities for the entry, exit, and transit of goods and people in Namibia, as well as to set conditions and operating hours for these locations. Additionally, any designated areas must be used exclusively for their intended purposes, with possible provisions for accommodating customs officers if required.

01/08/1998
Designated entry and exit points General
Goods
28/12/2018
Delivery of uncleared cargo or goods General
Goods

If ISO containers can’t be delivered to the consignee within three days after the vessel unloads them, they will be moved to a licensed depot at the cost of the container operator, importer, or vessel owner, and Namport will not be liable for these containers.

05/06/2001