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
Infant Nutrition. Manufacture and disposal of infant food SPS
Goods

A person cannot manufacture, sell, or otherwise manage infant food or dairy products that are unsafe for infants, and the Minister must create policies to support breastfeeding in line with international standards.

17/09/2020
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 entering into, residence in, conducting of business in or the bringing of certain articles or substances into, export processing zones Restriction
Goods

No one is allowed to conduct retail business or move goods from an export processing zone without written permission from the Minister, in consultation with the Minister of Finance.

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
Liability of importer, manufacturer or packer Restriction
Goods

If a foodstuff, cosmetic, or disinfectant in a sealed package does not comply with the Ordinance, the person identified on the label as the importer, manufacturer, or packer is presumed responsible. They can be convicted unless they prove:

1. They did not import, manufacture, or pack the article.
2. The non-compliance occurred due to decay or changes beyond their control after the article left their possession.

However, this presumption does not absolve them from liability for selling the non-compliant article.

30/12/1988
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
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.

Restrictions on Importation of Live Poultry Restriction
Goods
28/12/2018
Restrictions on Importation of Equines (Horses) Restriction
Goods
28/12/2018
Print and Appearance of Pictures, Warnings and Statements Restriction
Goods
01/04/2014
Restrictions on Importation of Sheep Restriction
Goods
28/12/2018
Restrictions on imports of Live Swine : Pigs Restriction
Goods
28/12/2018
Restrictions on Importation of Bovines Restriction
Goods
28/12/2018
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
Export Requirements for Minerals or Groups of Minerals. Restriction
Goods

No person may export minerals from Namibia without written permission from the Commissioner, unless they hold a relevant licence or are exempted by law. Failure to comply with this requirement can result in a fine of up to R20,000 or imprisonment for up to two years.

31/12/1992
Liability in regard to substance sold in a sealed package Restriction
Goods
18/11/2011
Control of medicines and scheduled substances Restriction
Goods

A person may not engage in the following activities concerning medicines or scheduled substances without the appropriate licenses and permits:

1. Manufacture or Pack and Sell:
   - Cannot manufacture or pack and sell medicines or scheduled substances unless holding the relevant license and complying with specified conditions.

2. Import or Export:
   - Cannot import or export these substances without the necessary license and compliance with Council-determined conditions.

3. Scheduled Substances (Schedule 3 or 4):
   - Additional permits are required for manufacturing, packing, selling, importing, or exporting these substances, alongside the necessary licenses.

4. Sale Restrictions:
   - Manufacturers, importers, or wholesale dealers cannot sell medicines or substances to unauthorized persons. However, authorized prescribers and pharmacists may sell them for consumption, subject to other provisions.

01/08/2008
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.

Application requirement when Exporting of Swakara Pelt and Swakara Wool Registration Requirement
Goods
22/11/1982
Meat Board of Namibia Conditions to the Registration of Producers Operating Abattoirs a d Processing Plants Registration Requirement
Goods

Abattoirs and processing facilities must be registered to legally sell or export meat in Namibia. The Meat Board can suspend a facility's registration if criminal proceedings related to violations of international agreements on livestock and meat standards are initiated against the operator.

01/08/2018