Trade Measures and Regulations
| Name | Type | Class | Summary | Validity From | Validity To |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Opening of Packages in Absence of Importer or Exporter | General |
Goods |
The Controller can open and inspect any container or package suspected of being imported, landed, or exported from Namibia in the absence of the importer or exporter, but must first attempt to locate and notify them to allow them the opportunity to be present during the inspection. |
01/08/1998 | |
| Persons Entering or Leaving Namibia, and Smugglers | General |
Goods |
Anyone entering or leaving Namibia must declare all goods they possess or plan to take with them, including details about the origin, condition, and any legal restrictions, and comply with inspection and duty payment requirements; failure to do so may result in legal action or custody. |
01/08/1998 | |
| Goods Imported or Exported by Post | General |
Goods |
For goods imported into Namibia by post, the completed form or label with necessary duty particulars serves as the entry declaration required by law. Goods not meeting these requirements, or exempted by the Permanent Secretary, must be processed through a customs office, with any discrepancies leading to potential forfeiture. |
01/08/1998 | |
| Goods Imported or Exported overland | General |
Goods |
For imported goods arriving by train, the railway authority must declare the arrival with Customs, including specific details about the goods, stores, crew, and passengers, while vehicles crossing Namibian borders must obtain written permission from the Controller or ensure all goods are properly declared. |
01/08/1998 | |
| Landing of Unentered Goods | General |
Goods |
All goods imported into Namibia by ship or aircraft must be placed in an approved location before customs entry, and until then, the carrier remains responsible for the goods and any applicable duties. |
01/08/1998 | |
| Designation of Places of Entry, Authorised Roads and Routes, and Related Issues | General |
Goods |
The Permanent Secretary is authorized to designate specific places, routes, and facilities for the entry, exit, and transit of goods and people in Namibia, as well as to set conditions and operating hours for these locations. Additionally, any designated areas must be used exclusively for their intended purposes, with possible provisions for accommodating customs officers if required. |
01/08/1998 | |
| When Goods Deemed to be Imported | General |
Goods |
All goods brought into Namibia are deemed imported at specific times based on their method of entry. |
01/08/1998 | |
| 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 | |
| Report of Arrival or Departure of Ships or Aircraft | General |
Goods |
The master of any ship or pilot of any aircraft arriving in Namibia must lodge a cargo declaration with Customs, answer related questions, and produce necessary documents. They must comply with designated places of entry unless forced by uncontrollable circumstances, and obtain clearance for departures, following prescribed regulations and conditions. |
01/08/1998 | |
| Prohibition of importation or exportation of arms and ammunition without permit | Licensing Requirement |
Goods |
No one, except on behalf of the State, can import or export arms or ammunition in Namibia, including items in transit, without a permit issued under section 23. However, this does not apply to licensed individuals importing their own arms and compatible ammunition. |
11/06/1996 | |
| Issue of permit for importation or exportation of arms or ammunition | Licensing Requirement |
Goods |
11/06/1996 | ||
| Prohibition of unauthorized importation, supply or possession of certain firearms or classes of articles | Licensing Requirement |
Goods |
No one, except on behalf of the State or with a permit from the Minister, may import, supply, or possess any armament in Namibia. This includes cannons, machine guns, rocket launchers, projectiles, grenades, explosives, incendiary devices, and their parts or imitations, as well as ammunition designed to explode on impact. The Minister may issue a permit to import, supply, or possess armaments after an application and payment of fees, subject to specified conditions. The Minister can withdraw the permit at any time. Subsection (1) does not apply to guns or projectiles used solely for whaling. If a person becomes disqualified or the permit is withdrawn, the police can seize the armament without a warrant, and it will be handled according to the law. |
11/06/1996 | |
| 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 | |
| Competent Authority Responsibility and Supervision | General |
Goods |
The competent authority is responsible for supervising goods in export processing zones, ensuring access for officers, maintaining detailed records, securing goods, and managing proper storage, handling, and annual reconciliations of goods. |
29/04/1996 | |
| Customs Supervision | General |
Goods |
Supervisors can check export processing zone enterprises by auditing records, counting goods, examining transactions, and reviewing security and storage conditions. They can also inspect goods and search people, vehicles, and packages entering or leaving the zone. |
29/04/1996 | |
| Import and Export of Goods into or from an Export Processing Zone | Duty/Tax Payable |
Goods |
Goods entering or leaving an export processing zone must use the NAMSAD form (NA500/NA550) for customs and excise, and waste and scrap from the zone can be exported or imported under specific conditions set by the Commissioner. |
29/04/1996 | |
| 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 | |
| Furnishing of information to Minister | General |
Goods |
30/11/1994 | ||
| Powers of Minister in relation to import and export of goods | Prohibited Goods |
Goods |
30/11/1994 | ||
| Offences and Penalties | General |
Goods |
Anyone who violates import or export regulations, fails to comply with permit conditions, or provides false information, can be fined up to N$20 000 or imprisoned for up to two years, or both. Additionally, the court may confiscate the goods involved in the offense, unless the owner was unaware of the violation. |
30/11/1994 |