Trade Measures and Regulations

The Minister may require proof of compliance with health certificate requirements or other requirements before issuing an export permit or special clearance for aquatic organisms and may approve, conditionally approve, or refuse the application based on that compliance.

When importing regulated articles, you must present them for inspection by a plant quarantine officer as soon as possible after arrival or at a directed time and place. You cannot move the article until the officer gives written consent, and failure to comply can result in a fine up to N$20,000 or imprisonment for up to 2 years.

An importer or responsible person must ensure that regulated articles in transit through Namibia are not removed or transferred without the approval of a plant quarantine officer and that all related requirements are met. Violating these rules can result in a fine up to N$20,000 or imprisonment for up to 2 years, or both.

The board, with the approval of the Council of Ministers, can prohibit the export of karakul pelts unless a permit is issued. They may also require that exported pelts meet specific quality standards, based on recommendations from a representative body of producers.

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.

The Minister has the authority to grant permits for various activities related to unpolished diamonds and diamondiferous materials for individuals not otherwise authorized by the Act. These activities include possessing, selling, buying, exporting, importing, and polishing unpolished diamonds, as well as handling diamondiferous concentrates and certain materials like sand or gravel that may contain diamonds. Permits can also allow entry, residence, travel, work, or visits in restricted areas, with conditions specified in the permit.

No one can export unpolished diamonds from Namibia without first submitting the diamonds to the Minister for market value determination. This valuation considers the agreed sale price and international market prices. After valuation, the diamonds must be sealed before export and cannot be handled otherwise. Exceptions are made for diamondiferous concentrates or materials that might contain unpolished diamonds. Violating these rules can result in a fine of up to N$1,000,000, up to 20 years in prison, or both.

Any person entitled to export unpolished diamonds from Namibia must pay a 10% duty on the diamond's value before it is released by the Minister. This payment is split between the Diamond Valuation Fund and the State Revenue Fund. Those who pay this duty are exempt from paying royalties under the Minerals Act. However, no duty is required if it has already been paid or if the diamond was not recovered in Namibia. The Minister may remit, refund, or defer duty payments under certain conditions, and must report all such actions to the National Assembly annually.

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.