Procedure

Sections 2(1) (b) and 3 of the Import and Export Control Act, Act 30 of 1994 requires every importer and exporter whose goods are subject to import or export licensing to first obtain an import or export permit before importing into or exporting outside Namibia.

Namibia, being a member of SACU is obliged to apply a regional –wide import and export management regime. All cross-border movement of goods are subject to a general import and export licensing system, which is largely automatic. The MIT is the first entry point for enquiries regarding import and export licensing, but other public agencies are also involved depending on the type of product being imported or exported. To speed up the facilitation of the issuance of import or export permit, all application forms must be submitted with all supporting required documents. Importers or Exporters are required to submit their applications online on IMEX system.

In this regard, the requirements for obtaining Import Permits include:

• Fully completed import permit (IMEX online system).

• Proof of citizenship or permanent residence (certified copy of ID/Passport).

• Companies are required to provide proof of registration with the Registrar of Companies (certified copy of the Founding Statement/ Memorandum of Articles of Association /Sole Trader Defensive Certificate/ CM29).

• Companies must only import products and related products, which are appearing in the principle of Business.

• Pro – forma Invoice.

• Other accompanying documents for the consignment (i.e., bill of lading and invoice)

(i)      Conditions subject to import permits

Import permits may be issued under the following conditions:

·       Only goods of the class and kind described in the permit may be imported, except where otherwise specified, the permit is intended for new goods only.

·       The permit may be transferred in any manner by the holder thereof to any other person or used to the benefits of any other person not named therein.

·       The permit shall be valid for the calendar year for which it is issued and will be used for customs clearance of goods before 31 December of that year.

·       The permit is issued without any amendments of any kind. If any unauthorized amendment appears therein, the permit will be invalid and will be confiscated by the Commissioner: Customs and Excise.

·       The permit is not an exchange license and only authorizes the importation of the goods specified therein.

(ii)    Completion of Customs Declaration

After obtaining import licenses from the relevant OMAs, importers are required to furnish import declaration in the prescribed format along with the Bill of Entry (SAD 500) to Customs and Excise as per Section 40 of the Customs and Excise Act.  A Bill of Entry gives information on the exact nature, precise quantity, and value of goods that have landed or entered inwards in the country.

(iii)   Summary of Import Documents

It is required to submit a set of documents to carry out import activities in Namibia. These include commercial invoices and regulatory documents that deal with various regulatory authorities such as the customs and excise and licensing/permit authorities.

Customs and Excise Act 20 of 1998 mandates the following commercial documents for carrying out importing activities:

·       Bill of lading or airway bill;

·       Commercial invoice cum packing list; and

·       Bill of entry.

Additional documents may be required as per the case such as:

·       Certificate of origin;

·       Inspection certificate; and

·       Import license.

For second hand motor vehicles, the following documents are required.

·       Invoice or pro-forma invoice with full details;

·       Cancellation Certificate, Registration Certificate, Deregistration Certificate or Export Certificate;

·       Bill of lading;

·       Certified Copy ID/Passport/Permanent Resident Permit; 

·       Registration Certificate - CC or PTY Ltd or Sole Trader; Company Registration documents; copy of ID or Passport of owners Registration certificate; deregistration certificate from the country of export, which must be fully translated into English by a legitimate sworn translator; and

·       Proof of payment/transfer of funds.

Details of application procedures can be found at IMEX system. Also check general import and export procedures page