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Limark in Ethiopia

Connecting Ethiopia across Africa and beyond

For years, Limark has been a vital link in the Ethiopia trade corridor, ensuring seamless cargo movement. Our deep understanding of the local landscape, from complex regulations to infrastructure challenges, enables us to provide tailored logistics solutions that minimize delays and optimize costs for your Ethiopian operations.

Beyond our carrier services, Limark Ethiopia offers a full suite of freight forwarding solutions. This includes customs clearance expertise, door-to-door delivery, and project cargo handling. Backed by a vast network and a commitment to reliability, Limark is your trusted partner for conquering the complexities of Ethiopian trade.

shipping to and from Ethiopia

Import regulations

Importing goods to Ethiopia requires navigating specific procedures and documentation. Here’s a breakdown of the essential requirements:

Product categories requiring import licenses/permits

  • Agricultural Products: Seeds, plants, plant products — Permit from Ministry of Agriculture
  • Livestock, animal products — Permit from Ministry of Agriculture
  • Pesticides, fertilizers — Permit from Ministry of Agriculture

Health/Pharmaceutical products

  • Medicines, medical equipment — Import permit from EFDA (Ethiopian FDA)
  • Narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances – Special import/export permit

Weapons, ammunition, explosives:

  • Import permit required from the Ministry of Defense

Chemical products

  • Certain chemicals, and solvents – License from Ministry of Trade and Industry
  • Precious Metals, Gemstones:
  • Import permit from the Ministry of Mines and Energy

Vehicles/Automotive

  • Used vehicles over 10 years old prohibited
  • Import permit required for new vehicles

Electronics/Telecom equipment

  • Permit from Ethiopian Telecom regulator (if wireless capability)

Food/Beverage

  • Many products like milk and meat require permits from health authorities
  • Alcoholic beverages — Special permit from taxation authority

Prohibited/Restricted imports

  • Narcotics like cocaine, heroin — Prohibited
  • Materials that violate copyrights or intellectual property are prohibited
  • Used clothing and shoes beyond personal amounts — Restricted
  • Weapons, ammunition, and explosives without permit — Prohibited
  • Pornographic and seditious materials — Prohibited
  • Hazardous waste and industrial contaminants — Restricted
  • Counterfeit goods and currency — Prohibited

Relevant agencies involved

  • Ethiopian Customs Commission (ECC)
  • Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority (EFDA)
  • Ministry of Agriculture
  • Ministry of Trade and Industry
  • Ministry of Health
  • Ministry of Mines and Energy
  • National Bank of Ethiopia

Required import documents

Required import documents

  • Bill of Lading/Airway Bill
  • Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List
  • Import Permit (for regulated goods)
  • Certificate of Origin
  • Freight Insurance Certificate
  • Import License (for some products)
  • Customs Import Declaration

Product-specific documents

  • Phytosanitary Certificate (plants/agriculture)
  • Sanitary/Health Certificate (foods)
  • Radiation Permit (radioactive materials)
  • OBL Instructions (for vessels)
  • SOLAS Certificate (weights/container specifications)

Commercial invoice details

  • Detailed product descriptions, HS codes
  • Quantities, unit prices, total invoice value
  • Incoterms and payment terms
  • Final destination details

Packing list details

  • List of each item and package contents
  • Descriptions, quantities, weights, dimensions
  • Package markings/numbers

Free time period

  • 10 calendar days of free demurrage for import containers
  • Calculated from the container discharge date at the port terminal

Demurrage charges calculation

  • After 10 free days, charged by container size per day
    • 20 ft container – $15/day
    • 40 ft container – $30/day
  • No free time extensions granted

Detention charges

  • Separate detention fees charged by shipping lines
  • Rates vary, but typically $80-$120 per container per day
  • This applies if the container isn’t returned within the allowed period after pickup

Storage limitations

  • Containers must be cleared within 30 calendar days
  • After 30 days, moved to off-terminal depot storage
  • Depot storage fees apply ($5-$10 per TEU per day)

Import permits required for:

  • Explosives, ammunition, fireworks
  • Radioactive materials
  • Toxic industrial chemicals
  • Hazardous wastes

Permits from:

  • Radiation Protection Authority (for radioactive materials)
  • Ministry of Mines (for explosives)
  • EFDA and Environment Ministry (for chemicals/hazardous waste)

Requirements

  • Proper hazard labels and placarding
  • Safety Data Sheets
  • Secure packaging per IMDG Code
  • Special handling and storage instructions
  • May require inspections and testing

General process

  • Identify the regulating body/ministry for your product
  • Obtain the application form and submit it with the required documents
  • Pay applicable fees and charges
  •  Wait for the review and approval process
  • Receive import permit/license

Some products require additional inspections/clearances

Food/Agricultural Products (from Ministry of Agriculture):

  • Submit application with product details, import contract, company license
  • Health/phytosanitary certificates required
  • Fees are around $100 for most permits
  • Validity is usually 6 months to 1 year
  • Renewal requires a new application

Pharmaceuticals/Medical devices (from EFDA)

  • Provide product dossiers, test reports, packaging details
  • Manufacturing facility inspection may be required
  • Fees $300-$500 based on product type
  • Validity 5 years and renewable
  • Variation approval is needed for any changes

Other regulated products

  • Chemicals from Ministry of Trade
  • Vehicles from the Transport Authority
  • Electronics/Telecom equipment from the regulator

Customs clearance process

  • Official customs clearing agent submits import declaration
  • Provide all required documents
  • Pay duties/taxes applicable to products
  • Customs inspects documents and cargo (scanning or physical)
  • If no issues, goods are cleared and released from the port/airport
  • Controlled delivery of some sensitive cargo

Duties and taxes

  • Import duty (0% to 35% based on HS code)
  • Value Added Tax 15% (some exemptions)
  • Excise taxes (10% to 100% on some goods)
  • Withholding tax 3% (can be higher source countries)
  • Additional taxes/fees for certain products

Inspections and testing

  • Document review is minimum
  • Scanning inspections common
  • Physical inspection for random shipments or risk-based
  • Sampling and testing of food/agro shipments
  • Voluntary compliance programs for trusted traders

Port/Terminal details

Sea ports

  • Port of Djibouti – Main seaport, 8 berths, max 9.5m draft

Cut-off 7 days prior to vessel arrival

  • Somali Port of Berbera – Backup port for Ethiopia

4 berths, max 10.5m draft

Air cargo hubs

  • Bole International Airport (Addis Ababa)
    • Largest air gateway, cold storage facilities
    • Documentation cut-off 4 hours before arrival

Container operations

  • 24/7 gate operations at sea ports
  • Generally, 4 hours free for container pickup
  • Chassis/trucks must be returned on the same day
  • On-dock depots for temporary storage
  • Third-party off-dock container yards

Export regulations

Get a detailed guide that provides an in-depth look into every aspect of the export process to ensure your goods are shipped efficiently and in compliance with all legal standards.

Products requiring export licenses/permits

Agricultural/Food Products:

  • Coffee, cereals, oilseeds – Export permit from Ministry of Agriculture
  • Meat, dairy, animal products – Permit from Ministry of Agriculture
  • Plants, seeds, vegetables – Phytosanitary certificate required

Mining/mineral products:

  • Gold, precious metals/stones – Export permit from Ministry of Mines
  • Industrial minerals, salt – Permit may be required
  • Wildlife/Forestry products:
  • Live animals, skins/hides – CITES permit from Wildlife Authority
  • Timber, charcoal – Permit from Forestry Commission

Artworks/Antiquities:

Historical/cultural artifacts – Export permit required

Weapons/Ammunition:

Any arms/munitions – Strict export controls by the Ministry of Defense

Restricted/Prohibited exports

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances – Prohibited
  • Counterfeit goods and currency – Prohibited
  • Hazardous waste and toxic materials – Heavily restricted
  • Unprocessed hides and skins – Export quota system

Standard documents needed

  • Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List
  • Bill of Lading/Airway Bill
  • Export Permit (for regulated goods)
  • Certificate of Origin
  • Other certificates as required (see below)

Export declaration

  • Submitted by exporter or customs clearing agent
  • Provide HS codes, descriptions, quantities, values
  • Pay any applicable duties/taxes
  • May require physical inspection by customs

Certificates for export

  • Phytosanitary Certificate (plants, agriculture)
  • Veterinary Health Certificate (livestock, animal products)
  • CITES Permit (endangered wildlife products)
  • Kimberley Process Certificate (rough diamonds)
  • Radiation Permit (for any radioactive materials)
  • Halal/Kosher Certificates (for certain foods)
  • GSP Form A (preferential duties in some countries)

Major ports for exports

  • Port of Djibouti – Main maritime gateway for exports

8 berths, drafts up to 9.5m

  • Somaliland Port of Berbera – Backup port option

4 berths, drafts up to 10.5m

Air cargo hubs

  • Bole International Airport (Addis Ababa)

Handles perishables, flowers, and other air exports

Port cut-off times

  • Djibouti – 5 days before vessel arrival
  • Berbera – 7 days before vessel ETA
  • Air cargo – 4 hours prior to flight

Container operations

  • 24/7 gate operations
  • Generally, 4 hours of free time for truck loading
  • On-dock container depots
  • Off-dock container yards are also available

Container return and charges

  • Shipping lines charge detention fees after free time

Typically, $80-$120 per box per day

  • Demurrage charged by port/terminal

$15-$30 per day after 10 free days

Export duties and taxes

  • Most goods are exempt from duties/VAT on exports
  • Some exceptions like raw hides/skins, minerals
    • May pay up to 10% export duty
  • Withholding tax of 3% on export proceeds
  • Municipality taxes may apply at the terminal

Other fees

  • Terminal Handling Charges of $100-$200 per container
  • Freight Forwarding/Customs Clearance fees
  • Extra charges for reefer containers, hazardous cargo, etc.
shipping to and from Ethiopia

Expertise You Can Trust

End-to-end cross-border shipping to and from Ethiopia

Navigating Ethiopia’s intricate import and export processes can be a daunting task. Stringent customs requirements and complex licensing procedures demand precision. At Limark, our team of Ethiopia logistics experts understands these complexities, ensuring seamless, compliant cross-border solutions.

With an unparalleled understanding of the region’s regulations and a proven track record of 95% on-time delivery, we expertly navigate these challenges. Let Limark guarantee your shipments arrive on schedule, safeguarding your business operations and preserving your bottom line.

Get Expert Guidance

Contact our regional experts

Partner with experienced freight forwarders and customs brokers for seamless shipping to and from Ethiopia. Ensure full documentation compliance with the guidance and logistics services of our team.

Sales enquiries

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