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
Inspection Required to the Exportation of Controlled Agronomy and Horticultural Products Inspection Requirement
Goods

Exporters must notify the Compliance Services Sub-division in writing, at least 10 working days before shipment, providing details such as the exporter's name, transport mode, shipment date, and product information. All products intended for export must be inspected, and if labeled as organic, must have certification proof. The required documents, including consignment notes and certificates, must be presented at the time of inspection; failure to comply may result in export delays or rejection.

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
Restrictions related to Importation of Controlled Products: Agronomy and Horticultural Restriction
Goods

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.

31/12/2014
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
Removal of Goods in Bond General
Goods

Imported or excisable goods can be moved in bond to a designated entry or warehousing place in Namibia or abroad, but goods from customs and excise warehouses can only be moved to approved warehousing places in Namibia or within the common customs area.

01/08/1998
Submission of port orders General
Goods

Importers and shippers must submit separate forms detailing package information, value, and vessel details to the Namport revenue office during specified hours.

05/06/2001
Registration as an Importer of Controlled Products Registration Requirement
Goods

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.

Importation of Specialised Controlled Agronomy Products Special
Goods

Importing maize meal, wheat flour, and pearl millet flour into Namibia is generally not allowed unless decided otherwise by the board. However, certain specialised agronomic products can be imported with a special permit, and organic products are allowed if they have a third-party organic certificate and meet other requirements.

31/12/2014
Restrictions on importation of seed Restriction
Goods

Importing seeds into Namibia is regulated with strict conditions. A person may not import seeds unless they meet specific criteria, such as being of a registered variety, complying with prescribed standards, being properly sealed and labeled, and entering through a designated port. Importation of seeds under different denominations, or of certain prohibited classes, is also restricted.

However, the Registrar may allow exceptions in writing under specific conditions. The Minister may designate certain seeds that require a special permit for importation. Importers must provide the Registrar with details about the seed consignment and cannot remove the seeds from the port without authorization.

Imported seeds may need to be presented for examination and sampling as directed by the Registrar. These regulations do not apply to seeds intended for non-cultivation purposes or immediate export, but a declaration must still be provided to the Registrar.

If seeds are imported in violation of these regulations, the Registrar can order their destruction or removal at the importer's expense, or permit their disposal under certain conditions. Violations can result in fines up to N$10,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both.

Provisions Relating to Imports Duty/Tax Payable
Services

Imports of goods are considered to occur either when they are entered for home consumption or when they are brought into Namibia. The value of these imports is determined by their free-on-board value plus costs or their open market value, and some imports may be exempt or zero-rated..

27/11/2000
Conditions Subject to Imports and Export Permits at MIT Permit Requirement
Goods

1. Only goods specified in a permit may be imported into Namibia.

2. The permit cannot be transferred to or used for the benefit of anyone not named in it.

3. The permit is valid for 12 months from the issue date or a shorter period as specified.

4. Goods requiring an import permit cannot be shipped to Namibia without a valid permit.

5. The permit must be issued without unauthorized amendments; any such changes will invalidate it, and it will be confiscated.

6. The permit does not exempt the importer from complying with other regulations related to importing goods into Namibia.

30/11/1994
Imposition of Value-Added Tax Duty/Tax Payable
Services

A 15% value-added tax is applied to taxable supplies and imports, with specific payment responsibilities for suppliers, importers, and service recipients, and certain exemptions for export processing zones.

27/11/2000
Retention of foreign currency obtained from sale of exported goods General
Goods

A certificate may allow the holder to keep foreign currency earned from exports outside Namibia, without needing to repatriate it or offer it to the Bank of Namibia.

01/12/1993
Conditions of CITES Permits General
Goods

A CITES permit is valid for only one shipment and must include specific details, such as the title of the Convention, the Minister's stamp, and a unique number. The permit is not transferable, and any changes must be authorized by the Minister.

15/08/2011
Grower or Miller to Whom no Quota Assigned Under Agreement or Determination General
Goods

A grower or miller who is not bound by certain agreements or determinations under specific sections of the law may sell their sugar cane or sugar, either for manufacture or consumption, within the Union or elsewhere. However, during the validity of such agreements or determinations, these millers must:

1. Export Requirement: Within six months after each year, export a proportionate quantity of sugar based on the total sugar they manufactured that year, in line with what millers with assigned quotas have exported.

2. Supply for Rebate: Sell or provide the board with a proportionate quantity of sugar at a rebate price, similar to what millers with quotas offer to manufacturers entitled to a rebate. This sugar must meet the grade required by the manufacturers.

The board must inform millers about estimates related to the quantities of sugar that will be exported, sold at a rebate, or manufactured by those with assigned quotas. The total quantities from the final estimate will be considered the official quantities for these purposes. 

Finally, millers are not exempt from their obligations even if they are unable to acquire the necessary sugar by purchase.

06/05/1955
Licences Licensing Requirement
Goods

A license for Group I-hazardous substances can only be issued to importers for specific purposes, including sale for mining or industrial use, to licensed wholesale distributors, pharmacists, government departments, laboratories, research institutions, or educational institutions.

25/06/1975
Certain import permits temporarily deemed to be licences to possess arms Licensing Requirement
Goods

A permit issued under section 23 for importing an arm into Namibia will be considered a license to possess that arm for a specified period, as endorsed by the authorized staff member following the Minister's directions.

11/06/1996
Special defences General
Goods

A person can avoid conviction for offenses related to foodstuffs, cosmetics, or disinfectants if they:

1. Prove Lack of Knowledge:
   - They believed or had reason to believe the product was not intended for human consumption or use.

2. Provide a Warranty:
   - They acquired or imported the product with a written warranty and had no reason to suspect it was prohibited.
   - They sold the product in the same condition it was acquired, without knowing or suspecting any issues.

3. Show Due Diligence:
   - They did not manufacture, import, pack, or treat the product and had no knowledge of any prohibited substances or contamination, having taken reasonable precautions to prevent such issues.

30/12/1988
Permit for Importation of Animals, Animal Products and Restricted Material for Conveyance in Transit through Namibia Permit Requirement
Goods

A person cannot import animals, animal products, or restricted materials through Namibia unless they have a special permit. Even with a permit, they cannot import these items if they are known or suspected to be infected, and the permit must specifically allow the importation of infected items.

20/04/2011
Restriction on Importation of Poultry Products Permit Requirement
Goods

A person cannot import certain poultry products into Namibia without an import permit issued by the Minister. However, up to 5 kg of poultry products can be imported without a permit for personal or immediate family consumption.

17/02/2020