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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
Prohibition on Importation of Certain Motor Vehicles into Namibia: Import and Export Control Act, 1994 Prohibited Goods
Goods

Under the Import and Export Control Act, 1994, the following measures are implemented:

1. Prohibition on Importation:
   - The importation of second-hand motor vehicles older than 12 years into Namibia is prohibited for specific categories of vehicles listed in Annexure A, if they are from outside the common customs area defined in the Customs and Excise Act, 1998.
   - The same prohibition applies to vehicles registered within the common customs area for less than two years before importation into Namibia.

2. Exemptions:
   - Certain vehicle categories listed in Annexure B are exempted from these importation prohibitions.

3. Designated Port of Entry:
   - Walvis Bay is designated as the sole port of entry for all second-hand motor vehicles imported from outside the common customs area.

4. Repeal of Previous Notices:
   - Previous Government Notices Nos. 257 of 16 November 2004 

13/09/2022
Prohibition on Importation or Exportation of Dairy Products or Dairy Product Substitutes Prohibited Goods
Goods
14/04/1986
Prohibition on the Collection of Ova and the Inovulation of Animals Prohibited Goods
Goods
15/06/1993
Prohibition on the Sale of Ova Prohibited Goods
Goods
15/06/1993
Prohibition relating to export of unpolished diamonds Prohibited Goods
Goods

No one is allowed to export unpolished diamonds from Namibia unless they meet specific criteria: they must be a producer, a holder of a prospecting licence, a dealer, a permit holder, or acting under a lawful agreement with one of these parties. Violating this law is a serious offense, punishable by a fine of up to N$1,000,000, up to 20 years in prison, or both.

01/04/2000
Prohibition relating to import of unpolished diamonds Prohibited Goods
Goods

No one can import unpolished diamonds into Namibia without a specific permit. However, this rule does not apply to unpolished diamonds that were originally exported from Namibia, processed abroad, and are now being returned. Violating this regulation can result in a fine of up to N$1,000,000, up to 20 years in prison, or both.

01/04/2000
Prohibitions on the Importation of Controlled Agronomy Products Prohibited Goods
Goods
31/12/2014
Provisions Relating to Imports Duty/Tax Payable
Services

Imports of goods are considered to occur either when they are entered for home consumption or when they are brought into Namibia. The value of these imports is determined by their free-on-board value plus costs or their open market value, and some imports may be exempt or zero-rated..

27/11/2000
Provisions Relating to Supplies Duty/Tax Payable
Services

The time of supply for goods is considered when they are removed from the export processing zone or when import tax is paid, and their value is the total of the import value and tax.

27/11/2000
Public and Environmental Health Act 1 of 2015 General
Goods
Quarantine Stations Inspection Requirement
Goods

The Chief Veterinary Officer, with the Minister's approval, can set up quarantine stations on state land in Namibia. These stations will handle the detention, inspection, and treatment of animals and animal products to prevent the spread of diseases.

20/04/2011
Radiation Protection and Waste Disposal Regulations: Atomic Energy and Radiation Protection Act, 2005 (Act No. 5 of 2005) General
Goods

The Director-General can grant type approval for consumer products if they are unlikely to pose a significant risk of exposure to ionizing radiation. Approved products fall into categories where possession, import, or use does not require further authorization if they don't significantly increase radiation exposure.

Anyone importing a radiation source without radioactive material must notify customs, which will authorize the import and notify the Director-General. This authorization is valid for one month and does not cover further use or possession. Importers must ensure products have clear labels indicating the presence of radioactive material and provide usage instructions.

Additionally, containers of radioactive materials from recognized foreign suppliers are deemed compliant if they meet their home country's regulations. Importers of sealed sources with high activity levels must have a contractual agreement for the return of the source after its useful life and submit this agreement to the relevant authority. They must return the source within 15 years or manage its disposal at their own cost.

16/01/2012
Re-Assessment by Customs Authority Duty/Tax Payable
Services

The customs authority can re-assess the export levy on goods at any time, regardless of their export status or whether payment has been made. If the re-assessment results in a higher levy, they will recover the extra amount; if it's lower, they will refund the excess and notify the exporter in writing.

01/06/2016
REBATES, REFUNDS AND DRAWBACKS OF DUTY General
Goods
01/08/1998
Records in respect of Schedule 4 substances and specified Schedule 3 substances for use by manufacturer, wholesaler, importer or exporter General
Goods

Every holder of a permit or license for the manufacturing, packing, selling, importing, or exporting of Schedule 3 or Schedule 4 substances is required to maintain a detailed record for each substance. This record must include information about every import, export, manufacture, packing, and sale of these substances. Specifically, for imports and exports, the record must include the permit or license number associated with the relevant import or export activities.

25/07/2008
Reduction of Demand for Tobbacco Products General
Goods

The legislation prohibits the advertisement, sponsorship, and promotion of tobacco products. Specifically, no person may publish or broadcast advertisements related to tobacco use or utilize tobacco trademarks for advertising any organization or event. Manufacturers, importers, distributors, or retailers of tobacco products are banned from organizing or financially contributing to activities in Namibia.

Retailers can post signs indicating the availability and price of tobacco products at points of sale without violating this law. The sale or display of replica toys or candy products resembling tobacco is also prohibited. The Minister may issue regulations for phasing out existing sponsorships and addressing advertising matters.

Violations of these provisions can result in fines of up to N$200,000 or imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both. Additionally, tobacco product packaging must include health warnings and specify the constituents present, with non-compliance also resulting in similar penalties.

01/04/2014
Reduction of Supply of Tobacco Products Prohibited Goods
Goods
01/04/2014
Refund of Tax and Tax Relief Duty/Tax Payable
Services

The Commissioner may refund tax on goods purchased in Namibia and exported by non-Namibian passport holders, if they provide original invoices and proof of export, and non-residents can get a tax refund within 30 days if they submit proof of tax paid and export.

27/11/2000
Refunds Duty/Tax Payable
Services

A refund of an export levy can be requested within five years of payment, and the Commissioner can extend this period if unforeseen circumstances prevented timely submission. Refunds may not be granted if the levy was paid correctly, the exporter failed to declare customs properly, or if the refund amount is below a set minimum, and any refunds made in error must be repaid if demanded.

01/06/2016
Registration as an Exporter of Controlled products Registration Requirement
Goods
31/12/2014