Shipping to and from Namibia

Limark in Namibia

Connecting Namibia across Africa and beyond

Limark’s established presence in Namibia enables businesses to navigate the complexities of this coastal nation’s evolving trade landscape. Our deep understanding of Southern African logistics ensures efficient movement of cargo through Namibia’s strategic ports, seamlessly connecting the country to regional and global markets.

With an extensive network spanning over 40 African countries, Limark offers tailored solutions for your Namibian shipments. Whether you’re exporting Namibia’s rich mineral resources, agricultural products, or fish, or importing essential equipment and materials, we provide comprehensive logistics services to optimize your supply chain, reduce costs, and enhance overall efficiency.

Import regulations

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

Regulations and restrictions

Product categories requiring import licenses/permits

Food and agricultural products

Imports of meat and meat products, dairy products, fish, eggs, honey, and live animals require import permits from the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR).

Plants and plant products require phytosanitary certificates from the MAWLR.

Import permits from the Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB) are required for specific agricultural products like cereals, maize, wheat, and horticultural products.

Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices

Importation of pharmaceuticals and medical devices is regulated by the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS)
Import permits and product registration are mandatory
Strict quality control measures and documentation are required

Chemicals and Hazardous Materials

Imports of chemicals and hazardous materials are regulated by the Ministry of Industrialization and Trade (MIT)
Import permits are required, and detailed safety data sheets (SDS) must be submitted
Proper packaging, labeling, and handling procedures are crucial

Vehicles and Spare Parts

The import of vehicles and spare parts is regulated by the MIT and the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA)
Import permits are required for vehicles
Age restrictions and roadworthiness certificates may be applicable for used vehicles.

Other regulated products

Additional import licenses or permits may be required for specific products like firearms, ammunition, explosives, radio communication equipment, and dual-use goods.
Consult the relevant ministries or agencies for specific requirements.

Prohibited and restricted imports

Prohibited

Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
Pornographic and obscene materials
Counterfeit and pirated goods
Hazardous waste (Basel Convention)
Ozone-depleting substances (Montreal Protocol)
Used tires

Restricted (require import permits)

Live animals and animal products
Plants and plant products
Firearms and ammunition
Explosives
Radioactive materials
Used vehicles
Second-hand clothing (except for personal effects)

Relevant agencies

Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) – Customs and Excise
Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR)
Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS)
Ministry of Industrialization and Trade (MIT)
Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB)
Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT)
Meat Board of Namibia
Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council (NMRC)

Demurrage and detention

Free Time

Typically, 7 days for general cargo and 14 days for containerized cargo after discharge.
Varies depending on the shipping line and port.

Demurrage charges

Applied when the free time is exceeded
Calculated per container, per day
Rates vary depending on the shipping line, container size, and time elapsed

Detention charges

Applied when the container is held beyond the agreed-upon time for return to the shipping line after being picked up from the port
Separate from demurrage charges
Rates vary depending on the shipping line and container size

Storage limitations

Port terminals have limited storage capacity
Containers not cleared within the allowed time are moved to an off-dock depot at the importer’s expense, incurring additional storage fees

Calculation methods

Demurrage and detention are usually calculated based on calendar days, including weekends and public holidays
Some shipping lines may offer a grace period before applying charges.

Required import documentation

Commercial Invoice

Detailed description of goods (including HS codes, brand, model, etc.)
Quantity, weight, and unit price of goods
Total invoice value in USD or NAD (Namibian Dollar)
Incoterms (International Commercial Terms)
Payment terms (e.g., letter of credit, cash against documents)
Full details of the consignee and consignor

Packing List

Detailed list of all items in each package
Description, quantity, weight, and dimensions of each item
Package markings and numbers

Bill of Lading/Airway Bill

Evidence of the contract of carriage between the shipper and carrier
Details of the shipment, including the consignee, consignor, and port of loading/discharge
Number and type of packages
Gross weight and measurement of the cargo

Certificate of Origin

Declares the origin of the goods
May be required for preferential tariff treatment under trade agreements (e.g., SADC)

Import Permit/License (for regulated goods)

Issued by the relevant government agency
Required for specific products as mentioned above
Customs Declaration (DAU):
Submitted through the ASYCUDA World system
Requires detailed information about the shipment, importer, and goods

Other certificates

Phytosanitary certificate (for plants and plant products)
Health certificate (for animals and animal products)
Certificate of analysis (for chemicals and food products)
CITES permit (for endangered species)

Import licenses and permits

Identify the Regulating Agency: Determine the specific ministry or agency responsible for your goods based on the product category.
Gather Required Documents:
- Proforma invoice or commercial contract
- Technical specifications and data sheets (if applicable)
- Certificates of origin, analysis, quality, etc.
- Business registration documents (if applicable)
- Taxpayer identification number (TIN)
- Any additional documentation specific to the product or agency
Submit Application:
- Complete the import permit application form.
- Submit the application along with the required documents and fees to the relevant agency.
- Applications are typically submitted online or in person.
Processing and Approval:
- The application will be reviewed and processed by the agency.
- The processing time varies depending on the product and agency, but it can take several weeks.
- If approved, the import permit/license will be issued.
Validity and Renewal:
- The validity period of import permits varies depending on the product and agency.
- Renewal procedures involve submitting a new application with updated documents before the expiry date.
Costs:
- Import permit fees vary depending on the product and agency.
- Additional costs may include inspection fees and testing fees.

Customs clearance procedures

Pre-shipment Inspection (PSI):

Mandatory for most commercial shipments valued over NAD 50,000.
Conducted by authorized inspection companies in the country of origin.
Verifies the quality, quantity, and value of goods before shipment.

Arrival and Unloading:

Vessel or aircraft arrives at the port or airport.
Cargo is unloaded and placed in customs control.

Document Lodgement and Declaration:

Importer or their agent lodges import documents (commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, etc.) with customs.
Electronic declaration is submitted through the ASYCUDA World system.

Assessment and Payment:

Customs assesses import duties, taxes, and fees based on the HS code, value, and origin of the goods.
The importer or their agent pays the assessed amount.

Inspection (if required):

Customs may select shipments for physical inspection based on risk assessment.

Release of Goods:

If the shipment complies with all regulations and requirements, and duties/taxes are paid, customs releases the goods.

Port/Terminal operations

Major Seaports

Walvis Bay: The main commercial port, handling containerized, bulk, and liquid cargo.
Lüderitz: A smaller port primarily handling fishing and mining exports.
Air Cargo Hub:
Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH): The main airport for air cargo imports.

Cut-off dates

Vary depending on the shipping line and destination
Confirm with your shipping agent or freight forwarder well in advance

Documentation Requirements at Terminals

Ensure all required documents are in order before the shipment’s arrival to avoid delays.
Original documents may be required for verification at the terminal.

Container Pickup/Drop-off and Storage

Coordinate with your shipping agent or freight forwarder for container pickup and drop-off procedures.
Be aware of free time limitations and potential demurrage/detention charges.

Disclaimer: This information is based on the latest available data and may be subject to change. Always consult with relevant authorities and experts for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

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.

Regulations and restrictions

Product categories requiring export licenses/permits

Minerals and Ores

Diamonds: Export permits from the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) are required. Diamond exports are subject to the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds. Each shipment must be accompanied by a KPCS certificate, and exporters must adhere to strict due diligence measures.

Uranium: Export licenses from the MME are mandatory, with additional approvals from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism (MEFT) due to environmental concerns.

Other Minerals: Exports of copper, zinc, lead, and other minerals also require permits from the MME, ensuring compliance with mining regulations and environmental standards.

Fish and fishery products

Hake: Namibia’s most valuable fish export, hake, is subject to strict quotas and licensing requirements. Exporters must obtain quotas from the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) and comply with sustainable fishing practices.

Horse Mackerel: A significant export commodity, horse mackerel exports also require permits from the MFMR and adhere to established quotas.

Other Fish Species: Permits are required for exporting other fish species, and specific regulations may apply depending on the species and conservation status.

Meat and meat products

Beef: Namibia is known for its high-quality beef, which is exported to various international markets. Export permits from the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) under the MAWLR are mandatory.

Processed meat products: Exports of processed meat products like sausages and biltong also require permits from the DVS and must meet stringent sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards.

Live Animals

Cattle: Exports of live cattle require permits from the DVS. Additional health certificates and quarantine requirements may apply depending on the destination country.

Small stock: Exports of sheep and goats also require DVS permits and adherence to health and quarantine regulations.

Other regulated products

Pharmaceuticals: Export permits are required from the Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council (NMRC).

Medical devices: Exports of medical devices may require permits from the MoHSS.

Chemicals: The MIT may require export permits for certain chemicals, especially hazardous materials.

Dual-use goods: Exports of dual-use goods, which have both civilian and military applications, are strictly regulated and require permits from the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

Prohibited and restricted exports

Prohibited exports

Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
Pornographic and obscene materials
Counterfeit and pirated goods
Hazardous waste (Basel Convention)
Ozone-depleting substances (Montreal Protocol)
Unprocessed diamonds (not certified by the KPCS)
Protected wildlife and endangered species (unless authorized by CITES)

Restricted Exports (require specific permits and may have additional conditions):

Live animals and animal products
Plants and plant products
Rough diamonds
Weapons and ammunition
Explosives
Radioactive materials
Dual-use goods
Certain chemicals and pesticides

Customs and documentation requirements

Required documents

Commercial Invoice: Detailed description of goods (including HS codes, specifications, quantity, weight, value), Incoterms, payment terms, and complete details of the consignee and consignor.

Packing List: Itemized list of goods in each package, including description, quantity, weight, dimensions, and package markings.

Bill of Lading/Airway Bill: Evidence of the contract of carriage between the shipper and carrier, including details of the shipment, consignee, consignor, and port of loading/discharge.

Certificate of Origin: Issued by the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI), certifying the origin of the goods. It may be required for preferential tariff treatment under trade agreements.

Export Permit/License (if applicable): Issued by the relevant government agency for regulated products.

Export Declaration (EXD): Electronic declaration submitted through the ASYCUDA World system, providing detailed information about the shipment.

Other Supporting Documents: May include sanitary/phytosanitary certificates, health certificates, certificates of analysis, CITES permits, and other documents specific to the product or destination country.

Export Declaration Process (through ASYCUDA World):

Registration: Exporters must register on the ASYCUDA World platform and obtain a unique identification number.
Declaration: Prepare and submit the EXD electronically through ASYCUDA World.
Verification: Customs verifies the EXD and supporting documents.
Payment: Pay any applicable export duties or taxes.
Approval: Customs approves the export and issues an export permit (if required).

Required export certificates

Phytosanitary Certificate (for plants and plant products): Issued by the MAWLR
Health Certificate (for live animals and animal products): Issued by the DVS
Certificate of Analysis (for certain products): Issued by accredited laboratories
Kimberley Process Certificate (for rough diamonds): Issued by the MME
CITES Permit (for endangered species): Issued by the MEFT

Terminal/Port operations

Major Ports

Walvis Bay: The main commercial port, handling containerized, bulk, and liquid cargo. It has modern facilities and is well-connected to major shipping routes.
Lüderitz: A smaller port primarily handling fishing and mining exports. It is less congested than Walvis Bay and can be a good option for smaller shipments.

Cut-off Times and Procedures

Vary depending on the shipping line, destination, and type of cargo
Confirm with your shipping agent or freight forwarder well in advance
Procedures typically include document submission through ASYCUDA World, customs clearance, security screening, and container loading

Container Storage and Free Time

Both Walvis Bay and Lüderitz ports offer container storage facilities
Free time for storage varies depending on the shipping line and the type of cargo, typically ranging from 3 to 7 days
Storage fees apply after the free time expires

Cargo handling and fees

Returning empty containers

Coordinate with your shipping line or agent to return empty containers to the designated depot
Failure to return containers on time may result in detention charges

Duties, taxes, and fees

Export duties: Generally, Namibia does not impose export duties on most goods. However, specific export levies may apply to certain products (e.g., fish, minerals).

Other Fees: Customs processing fees, document handling charges, terminal handling charges, storage fees (if applicable), and any specific taxes or levies related to the exported product.

Expertise You Can Trust

Seamless cross-border shipping to and from Namibia

Navigating Namibia’s dynamic trade landscape and intricate regulations can be a daunting challenge. Limark, a trusted leader in Southern African logistics, simplifies the complexities of cross-border trade, ensuring your cargo moves seamlessly and efficiently through this thriving market.

Our extensive experience in Namibia, coupled with a deep understanding of local regulations and customs procedures, guarantees reliable and cost-effective shipping solutions. Partner with Limark to optimize your supply chain, reduce transit times, and unlock the full potential of your Namibian trade operations. Contact us today and experience the difference of a truly integrated logistics partner.

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