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
Access to biological and genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge. General
Goods

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.

01/11/2021
Permit to import or export arms or ammunition Permit Requirement
Goods

To apply for a permit to import or export arms or ammunition, a person must complete Form Pol 573 and submit it to an authorized staff member. The permit issued will be in Form Pol 574.

Permit to import, supply or possess armaments Permit Requirement
Goods

To apply for a permit to import, supply, or possess armaments, a person must complete Form Pol 573 and submit it to an authorized person. The application must include:

1. A report from the officer in charge of the local police station, commenting on the applicant’s suitability.
2. A report from the Chief of Explosives, detailing the nature of the armaments and the handling and storage facilities.
3. Any additional information required by regulation 5(2).

Importation of Meat Permit Requirement
Goods

To apply for an import permit, an importer must complete and submit the official form. Providing false information is a punishable offense. Imported meat must be stored to prevent contamination, with security measures to avoid tampering, and relevant documents must be available for inspection. Veterinary checks must confirm the meat’s safety, link it to the import permit, check temperature maintenance, and ensure no contamination occurred during transport

17/09/2004
Measures to prevent illicit trade in tobacco products General
Goods

To combat illicit trade in tobacco products, the regulation stipulates that no person may sell or import tobacco products unless the packaging includes specific information. This information must state "Sales only allowed in Namibia" and "Manufactured in 'name of country'," displayed in Helvetica upper-case letters in black on a white background, covering at least 60% of either side panel of the package. The products must also comply with additional regulations. For tobacco products in transit through Namibia, the packaging must include details about the shipment route, destination, final selling point, point of departure, consignee, and a batch or serial number. Additionally, a consignment note or similar document containing this information must accompany the products.

Application for Import or in Transit Permit Permit Requirement
Goods

To import a fertilizer, farm feed, or agricultural remedy, an individual must apply for an import or in transit permit using the specific forms provided in Annexure 1.

The application must be submitted to the registrar with the required fee, product list, and any additional particulars, and the product must be registered or recorded in Namibia for the permit to be issued.

09/12/2020
Manner of application for and registration of number plate manufacturer Licensing Requirement
Goods

To register as a number plate manufacturer, an application must be submitted to the Minister, who will review it, require evaluations and reports from the inspectorate and Namibian Police, and then determine suitability, with ongoing evaluations for registered manufacturers and importers.

06/04/2001
Seed dealers to be registered General
Goods

To sell, keep for sale, offer to sell, barter, import, export, or otherwise supply seeds in Namibia, a person must be registered as a seed dealer. Registration requires an application to the Registrar, along with the prescribed fee, and is granted based on the applicant meeting requirements related to infrastructure, equipment, technical ability, and knowledge.

Once registered, dealers must provide the Registrar with information about seed stocks, lots, expiry dates, and related details. The Registrar has the authority to suspend or cancel a dealer's registration if it was obtained through misrepresentation or if the dealer violates the Act's provisions.

Failure to comply with these regulations, including operating without registration or not providing required information, is an offence punishable by a fine up to N$10,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both.

31/12/2018
Prohibition on Importation of Certain Motor Vehicles into Namibia: Import and Export Control Act, 1994 Prohibited Goods
Goods

Under the Import and Export Control Act, 1994, the following measures are implemented:

1. Prohibition on Importation:
   - The importation of second-hand motor vehicles older than 12 years into Namibia is prohibited for specific categories of vehicles listed in Annexure A, if they are from outside the common customs area defined in the Customs and Excise Act, 1998.
   - The same prohibition applies to vehicles registered within the common customs area for less than two years before importation into Namibia.

2. Exemptions:
   - Certain vehicle categories listed in Annexure B are exempted from these importation prohibitions.

3. Designated Port of Entry:
   - Walvis Bay is designated as the sole port of entry for all second-hand motor vehicles imported from outside the common customs area.

4. Repeal of Previous Notices:
   - Previous Government Notices Nos. 257 of 16 November 2004 

13/09/2022
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
Sealing of Goods on Board Ships or Aircraft General
Goods

Upon arrival in Namibia, the master or pilot of a ship or aircraft must declare all sealable goods on board and personal property, which may be sealed by the Controller, with exceptions allowed under specific circumstances and written permission required for landing stores.

01/08/1998
Import Declaration and Payment of Tax Duty/Tax Payable
Goods

When importing goods, the importer must provide a declaration and pay the applicable tax based on specific conditions outlined for different types of imports. For imports of services, the responsible person must also provide a declaration and pay the tax within 30 days.

27/11/2000
Inspection of imported articles Inspection Requirement
Goods

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.

27/10/2008
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.

Additional requirements for registration of motor vehicle that is registered outside borders of Namibia Licensing Requirement
Goods

When registering a motor vehicle from outside Namibia, you need proof of customs compliance, the vehicle's registration documents from its home country, and a police clearance or SARPCCO certificate.

06/04/2001
Application for temporary import of telecommunication equipment Permit Requirement
Goods

You cannot import telecommunications equipment into Namibia without obtaining authorization from the relevant Authority. To apply, you must provide detailed information about the equipment, its purpose, location, and duration in Namibia, with the possibility of an extension; failure to remove the equipment after the permitted period may result in a fine or imprisonment.

21/08/2023
Manner of application for registration of motor vehicle Licensing Requirement
Goods

You must apply to register a motor vehicle within 21 days after the liability date using the approved form. For a new vehicle, the application must include a certificate from the manufacturer or importer with details such as the chassis number, engine number, make, model, and other specific information.

06/04/2001
Import and export of live aquatic organisms Permit Requirement
Goods

You need written permission from the Minister to import or export aquatic organisms. The Minister can set conditions for approval, inspect, and take action on the organisms, including quarantine or destruction if necessary.

30/12/2002