Trade Measures and Regulations

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

To import feed-grade horticultural products for animal feed, an importer must obtain a trade import permit from the NAB and pay the required fees. The permit will only be issued once payment proof is provided, and the product must not be used for human consumption. NAB inspectors will verify the import at the border and conduct inspections, with costs covered by the importer.