Trade Measures and Regulations
| Name | Type | Class | Summary | Validity From | Validity To |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
| Date and conditions on which motor vehicle is to be registered | Licensing Requirement |
Goods |
Liability for registering a motor vehicle in Namibia arises when the vehicle arrives in Namibia or is cleared by customs, if imported after a date set by the Minister. |
06/04/2001 | |
| Utilisation of Levy Funds | General |
Goods |
Levy funds will be used to support the meat industry by providing subsidies for livestock exports and premiums for exporting or slaughtering livestock, with Administrator approval. |
01/06/1963 | |
| False description of articles | Restriction |
Goods |
It is an offense to sell or import for sale foodstuffs, cosmetics, or disinfectants described in a misleading or prohibited manner. However, using a geographical name to describe a foodstuff is allowed if it is a generally accepted term for that type or variety of product, and the product matches that description. |
30/12/1988 | |
| Inspection of imported plants, plant products and regulated article | Inspection Requirement |
Goods |
Inspections must occur between 08:00 and 17:00, Monday to Friday, and any inspection outside these hours requires a payment, while a clearance certificate will be issued upon payment of the specified fee. |
27/06/2012 | |
| Small-Scale Importation of Controlled Agronomy Products for Personal and Commercial use | Other |
Goods |
Individuals can import up to 200kg of grains per month for personal use without needing an import permit, but the consignment will be recorded by border inspectors. For commercial imports of 250kg to 500kg per month, an import permit is required, and such imports are not allowed during close border periods. |
31/12/2014 | |
| Telecommunication equipment to be type approved | Permit Requirement |
Goods |
In Namibia, telecommunications equipment must be approved or exempted from approval before it can be connected to an electronic communication network or sold. However, temporary imports for research or demonstration purposes may be allowed without approval for up to six (6) months, provided the importer obtains authorization from the relevant Authority. |
21/08/2023 | |
| Importation of plants, plant products and other regulated articles | Permit Requirement |
Goods |
In Namibia, importing plant material, pests, soil, or other specified items requires a permit and must be done through designated entry points with proper documentation. Failure to follow these rules can result in a fine of up to N$20,000 or imprisonment for up to 2 years. |
27/10/2008 | |
| Manifest of Cargo | General |
Goods |
In cases where more than one container operator is involved in the venture, the container operators shall elect one of themselves to represent the group, and this operator shall be responsible for the provision of import container lists as specified in paragraphs (a) and (b). |
05/06/2001 | |
| Cancellation of motor trade number | Licensing Requirement |
Goods |
If the Minister believes a motor trade number holder has violated regulations while running their business, they can cancel the trade number. |
06/04/2001 | |
| 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: 2. Direct Manufacturers, Suppliers, or Importers: |
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| Access to information held by Centre | General |
Goods |
If the Centre suspects that certain information is relevant to Namibia's national security or economic stability, it must disclose this information to relevant authorities, including details about financial transactions, import/export activities, and identifying information. |
24/12/2012 | |
| 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 | |
| Agents and Auctioneers | General |
Services |
If an agent imports goods into Namibia on behalf of a principal, the importation is considered to be made by the principal. However, if the agent is registered and the principal is not, and the agent pays the tax and retains proof of this, the importation is deemed to be made by the agent. |
27/11/2000 | |
| Identification of imported prescribed animals | General |
Goods |
If a prescribed animal is temporarily removed from Namibia, it is considered imported when brought back and must keep its imported status. Owners of imported animals must ensure the animal is identified with an approved device within seven (7) days or before it leaves its initial location. The Chief Veterinary Officer can grant exemptions under certain conditions, such as when the animal is destined for immediate slaughter or will leave Namibia within 14 days. |
23/11/2017 | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| Mutual Recognition Agreement | General |
Goods |
If a mutual recognition agreement exists between Namibia's regulator and a foreign certification body, the regulator may accept cement evaluation results if they meet equivalent standards. Importers must apply to the regulator, pay a fee, and receive an attestation of conformity letter, valid for 21 days per consignment. The regulator may also physically verify the imported cement's quantity and type. |
20/02/2020 | |
| Manner of suspension or cancellation of registration of manufacturer, builder or importer | Licensing Requirement |
Goods |
If a manufacturer, builder, or importer fails to meet registration conditions, the inspectorate will recommend suspension or cancellation to the Minister. The Minister will notify them and allow them to submit comments before making a final decision, and if registration is canceled, the affected party must return their certificate within 14 days. |