🇳🇦 Import Customs & Duties: Namibia
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
CIF value + duty. VAT at 15% on most imports. Basic food items and medicines at 0% or reduced rates.
Clearance Time
2-7 days express, 10-21 postal days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-15% | 85 |
| Clothing | 30-45% | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 20-30% | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | 0-25% | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-10% | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 10-20% | 33 |
| Books | 0% | 49 |
| Toys & Games | 10-20% | 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Below de minimis threshold, no duty!: $50 USD
Customs Clearance Process
Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) manages customs. SACU (Southern African Customs Union) common external tariff applies, same rates as South Africa. ASYCUDA World system for electronic declarations. Walvis Bay port is the main entry point and a major deep-water port on Africa's Atlantic coast. Windhoek Hosea Kutako airport handles air cargo. English documentation accepted.
What to Actually Expect
Walvis Bay is one of the best deep-water ports in southern Africa and is a transit hub for Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe (TransCaprivi corridor). SACU membership means same tariffs as South Africa. NamRA customs is relatively efficient and professional. DHL, FedEx available in Windhoek and Walvis Bay. English-speaking which simplifies documentation. Postal service (NamPost), 1-3 weeks. Good road infrastructure. Lower corruption than regional average. VAT at 15%.
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 permits from Ministry of Trade for controlled goods. SACU rules apply for most imports. Arms, narcotics prohibited. Pharmaceuticals need NMRC (Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council) approval. Used vehicle imports restricted. Diamond industry has special import/export controls (Kimberley Process).
Certificate of Origin
SADC certificate for regional preferential trade. SACU certificate for customs union goods. EUR.1 for EU-SADC EPA. AGOA certificate for US market access. Namibian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) issues certificates.
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 Namibia:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $0 | $0 | Free |
| $100 | $5 | $16 | $21 |
| $200 | $15 | $32 | $47 |
| $500 | $45 | $82 | $127 |
| $1000 | $95 | $164 | $259 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Namibia
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Namibia?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Namibia is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Namibia?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Namibia is 15%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. VAT at 15% on most imports. Basic food items and medicines at 0% or reduced rates.
How long does customs clearance take in Namibia?
Typical customs clearance in Namibia takes 2-7 days express, 10-21 postal days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Namibia?
To import into Namibia, 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 Namibia?
Namibia 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.