International convention and customs procedures of Namibia

International Conventions

Member of the World Trade Organization (WTO)

International Economic Cooperation

Member of Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)

Member of Southern African Development Community (SADC)

Member of South African Customs Union (SACU)

Member of the World Trade Organization (WTO)

Member of the African, Carribean and Pacific Agreement

Member of the Cotonou Agreement

African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA) beneficiary country

Preferential market access to 34 countries for Namibian products, under the Generalised System of Preferences

Preferential trade agreement with Zimbabwe

Economic partnership agreement signed with the EU in June 2016

Non Tariff Barriers

Beyond customs delays, the government has imposed a number of import and export restrictions, mostly on agricultural products. White maize, wheat, mahangu (pearl millet), and products derived from these three grains are controlled. Controlled grain crops can only be imported or exported with permits issued by the Agronomic Board and the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MWAF). For each controlled grain there are specific restrictions, but restrictions do not include price controls.

Customs Duties and Taxes on Imports

Duty rates in Namibia vary from 0% to 45% with an average duty rate of 18.74%.

Customs duties are payable on the importation of goods into Namibia from non-Southern African Customs Union (SACU) countries. Rates depend on the tariff heading of the goods and may vary between 0% and 30%. Excise duties are payable by manufacturers and exporters on certain items like alcoholic beverages.

Customs Classification

Namibia is a member of the World Customs organisation and does comply with the harmonised customs system.

Import Procedures

All imports are subject to licensing, but most licenses are automatically granted. A limited number of products are subject to non-automatic licenses, including: medicines; chemicals; frozen and chilled fish and meat; live animals and genetic materials; controlled petroleum products; firearms and explosives; diamonds, gold and other minerals; and seemingly all second-hand goods such as clothing and motor vehicles.

Importing Samples

There is no specific procedures for samples shipments. Sample shipments require the same set of documents as a normal shipment.
The value of goods should still appear on the commercial invoice indicating "for customs clearance purpose only'' on the invoice.
Zero value invoices are not acceptable.

To go further, check out our service Import controls and Export controls.

For Further Information

Ministry of Finance - Customs and Excise
Business Portal for Africa