🇿🇲 Import Customs & Duties: Zambia
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$0
Duty applies from $0
VAT / Sales Tax
16%
CIF value + duty. VAT at 16% on most imports. Basic food items and agricultural inputs at 0%.
Clearance Time
3-10 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-25% | 85 |
| Clothing | 25% (protective) | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 25% | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | 0-25% (basic food 0-5%) | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-15% (capital goods 0-5%) | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 15-25% | 33 |
| Books | 0% | 49 |
| Toys & Games | 15-25% | 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Customs Clearance Process
Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA, zra.org.zm) manages customs. ASYCUDA World electronic system. COMESA and SADC member. VAT at 16% on imports. Landlocked, imports via Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), Durban (South Africa), Beira (Mozambique), or Walvis Bay (Namibia). Lusaka is the main clearance hub. Nakonde (Tanzania border) and Chirundu (Zimbabwe border, one-stop border post) are key crossing points.
What to Actually Expect
Landlocked copper exporter. ZRA customs is modernizing with ASYCUDA World, improving transparency. Transit dependency adds 2-4 weeks (Dar es Salaam corridor most used). Multiple transit corridors available (Tanzania, South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia). Chirundu one-stop border post with Zimbabwe is a model for Africa. DHL, FedEx operate in Lusaka and Copperbelt. Postal mail 3-6 weeks. VAT at 16%. Kwacha (ZMW) currency can be volatile. Copper mining sector ensures good industrial logistics. Corruption declining with ZRA reforms.
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
Required for firearms, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, used vehicles. ZABS (Zambia Bureau of Standards) conformity for regulated products. Pre-shipment inspection for some categories. Used clothing imports restricted.
Certificate of Origin
COMESA certificate for regional preferential trade. SADC certificates. AfCFTA certificates. Issued by Zambia Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI). AGOA certificate for US preferential access.
Learn more →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
Duty & Tax Estimate
Estimated import charges when shipping goods to Zambia:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $13 | $10 | $23 |
| $100 | $25 | $20 | $45 |
| $200 | $50 | $40 | $90 |
| $500 | $125 | $100 | $225 |
| $1000 | $250 | $200 | $450 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Zambia
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Zambia?
Zambia has no duty-free threshold. All imported goods are subject to duties regardless of their value.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Zambia?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Zambia is 16%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. VAT at 16% on most imports. Basic food items and agricultural inputs at 0%.
How long does customs clearance take in Zambia?
Typical customs clearance in Zambia takes 3-10 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Zambia?
To import into Zambia, 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 Zambia?
Zambia 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.