🇸🇿 Import Customs & Duties: Eswatini
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 agricultural inputs at 0%.
Clearance Time
3-7 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-25% (SACU tariff) | 85 |
| Clothing | 25-45% (SACU protective) | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 20-30% (SACU) | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | 0-25% | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-10% | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 15-20% | 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.
Customs Clearance Process
Eswatini Revenue Authority (SRA) manages customs. SACU (Southern African Customs Union) member, shares common external tariff with South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia. VAT at 15% on imports. Landlocked, all imports transit through South Africa or Mozambique. Matsapha (near Manzini) is the main customs clearance point. Lilangeni (SZL) pegged 1:1 to South African Rand.
What to Actually Expect
Small landlocked kingdom (~1.2 million people) between South Africa and Mozambique. SACU tariff means same duties as South Africa. All imports physically transit through South Africa (Durban port) or Mozambique (Maputo port). Courier services available via South African networks (DHL, FedEx operate from SA). Postal mail via South African infrastructure 2-3 weeks. 15% VAT. SACU revenue pool provides significant government income. Sugar industry and textile manufacturing (AGOA beneficiary) are key sectors. Currency pegged to ZAR eliminates exchange risk with SA.
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, certain chemicals, and agricultural products. SACU regulations apply. Sugar and textile imports have special provisions. Eswatini Standards Authority compliance for some products.
Certificate of Origin
SACU certificate for regional trade. SADC certificates. COMESA membership provides additional preferential access. AGOA certificate for US preferential access.
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 Eswatini
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Eswatini?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Eswatini is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Eswatini?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Eswatini is 15%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. VAT at 15% on most imports. Basic food items and agricultural inputs at 0%.
How long does customs clearance take in Eswatini?
Typical customs clearance in Eswatini takes 3-7 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Eswatini?
To import into Eswatini, 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 Eswatini?
Eswatini 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.