International convention and customs procedures of Zambia

International Conventions

Member of the World Trade Organization (WTO)
Party to the International Coffee Agreement

International Economic Cooperation

• Cotonou Agreement
• African Growth and Opportunity Act beneficiary country
• China Special Preferential Agreement
• Member of World Trade Organization (WTO) since 1995
• Member of Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)
• Member of Southern African Development Community (SADC)

Non Tariff Barriers

Certain goods require a certification to be imported, like meat (certification available from the Veterinary Department), plants and seeds and fruits (phytosanitary certification from Mount Makulu Research Station), food and drugs (Ministry of Health and Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority), firearms and ammunition (Zambia Police), and gemstones and scrap metal export (Ministry of Mines). Import licensing is required for most agricultural products.

Customs Duties and Taxes on Imports

4,08%
(Weighted mean applied tariff is the average of effectively applied rates weighted by the product import shares corresponding to each partner country. Source: World Bank)

Customs Classification

Zambia is a member of the World Customs Organisation and does comply with the harmonised customs system (HS).

Import Procedures

Commercial documents such as a bill of lading, airway bill, and commercial invoice are required to clear goods with customs. The form CE 20, the standard form for entry and exit, is used for clearance at border posts. Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has implemented the automated system for customs data (ASYCUDA) world system which provides a platform that leads to a paperless customs clearance and domestic tax processes. Customs may request for a physical examination or additional documentation to ensure that a declaration is correct. An invoice is issued for immediate payment for the goods to be released; when all formalities are concluded and payment has been made, Customs will issue a release order for the goods.

Importing Samples

Samples are admitted against a deposit equal to the full duty. They must be listed in duplicate and are checked on importation and again on re-exportation which must be within 12 months.

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

For Further Information

Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA)
Business Portal for Africa