🇪🇷 Import Customs & Duties: Eritrea
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
No formal VAT system. Sales tax of 4-12% may apply to some categories at point of sale, not at customs.
Clearance Time
7-21 days express, 30-60 postal days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 5-25% | 85 |
| Clothing | 10-25% | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 10-25% | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | 0-25% | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-10% | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 10-25% | 33 |
| Books | 0% | 49 |
| Toys & Games | 10-25% | 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Customs Clearance Process
Eritrean Customs Authority manages customs. Limited electronic systems. Massawa and Assab are the main ports. Import permits from Ministry of Trade and Industry required for most goods. Government controls on foreign currency exchange affect imports significantly.
What to Actually Expect
Very challenging import environment. Government controls most trade. Foreign currency restrictions make importing difficult. Limited international courier services. Massawa port has limited capacity. One of the most isolated economies in Africa. Personal shipments possible but unpredictable.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
Import permit required from Ministry of Trade for all commercial goods. Strict foreign currency controls, access to USD/EUR severely limited. Government monopoly on many imports. Arms embargo in effect (partially lifted 2018).
Certificate of Origin
Eritrean Chamber of Commerce issues certificates. COMESA and IGAD regional certificates may apply. Consular legalization often required.
Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Popular routes to Eritrea
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Eritrea?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Eritrea is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Eritrea?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Eritrea is 15%. VAT applies to: No formal VAT system. Sales tax of 4-12% may apply to some categories at point of sale, not at customs.
How long does customs clearance take in Eritrea?
Typical customs clearance in Eritrea takes 7-21 days express, 30-60 postal days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Eritrea?
To import into Eritrea, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Eritrea?
Eritrea prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.