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
Export of meat or meat products to prescribed countries. General
Goods
17/12/1991
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
Labelling General
Goods

Containers of Category A, Group I-hazardous substances imported, manufactured, or packed for sale in the Territory must be clearly labeled with the product name, chemical name, supplier's details, a skull and crossbones symbol with "Poison" and "Vergif," and warnings to keep out of children's reach. The same labeling requirements apply to Category B, Group I-hazardous substances imported from outside South Africa, and these labels must also be approved by the Registrar of Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies, and Stock Remedies, according to the 1947 Act.

25/06/1979
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.

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.

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
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
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.

Application of Laws in Export Processing Zones, and Export and Import Duty/Tax Payable
Goods

Any duties or taxes paid on goods exported to the zone from Namibia are not refundable, and goods removed from the zone to Namibia are considered imported and subject to relevant taxes.

Export processing zone enterprises General
Goods

An export processing zone enterprise certificate will not be issued to any business that does not create jobs, generate export earnings, or intend to engage in manufacturing, exporting, or importing within the zone.

Import Declaration and Payment of Tax Duty/Tax Payable
Goods

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.

27/11/2000
Calculation of Tax payable: Rules Relating to Input Tax Duty/Tax Payable
Goods

A registered person cannot deduct input tax for passenger vehicles, entertainment, or petroleum products unless these are used for specific business purposes. If only some supplies and imports are taxable, input tax deductions must be proportional to the taxable supplies compared to all supplies and imports made.

27/11/2000
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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