Namibia

To ensure smooth processing by customs, all dutiable shipments being sent to Namibia but be sent with a valid Commercial Invoice. Proforma Invoices, handwritten invoices, handwritten amendments, the wording “Value for Customs Purposes Only” or values declared in a currency other than that of the origin country, destination country, EUR, or USD are not accepted by Namibian customs.

All invoices must show:

• All content declared
• Origin of manufacture of goods
• Full shipper and consignee addresses must be written in English
• True and realistic declared values
• Full content descriptions – “samples” or “spares” are not acceptable descriptions

For temporary imports or re imports additional customs clearance processing of 4-5 days can be expected. For goods arriving into Namibia temporarily a provisional payment must be lodged with Customs but this is refundable on re-export under Customs supervision and terms. No permit is required for goods imported on a temporary basis for repairs, exhibits etc.

Secondhand goods require a permit from the Department of Trade & Industry prior to export.

Where such goods are returned to Namibia after repair/temporarily exported, prescribed documents must validate this. Copies of import permits and commercial invoices are required and must identify each line item as “new”, “used”, or “second hand” and must include the importer’s Customs code and VAT registration. All shipments received in Namibia are subject to Inspection by customs. Omissions and undervaluation in declared content will attract penalties.

Please take note of the following commodity specific information

Drugs: prescription: For vitamins and herbs, the receiver must provide a health certificate. Acceptance into Namibia is dependent on the decision of the local Health Ministry.

Foodstuffs: Only samples are permitted. Maximum weight: 5 kg (11 lb) per piece. Maximum value: USD 20.00. Expect delays of 2-3 days.

Photos from the US: Must be sent as goods/non documents.

X-ray machines: Please contact the destination prior to accepting shipment for any licenses or permit requirements.

Commodities considered as Documents

Namibian Customs defines a document as general correspondence (business or private) as well as the following items. Please take note of the weight/quantity restrictions:

• Airline tickets, issued/validated 1
• Annual reports
• Blueprints 2
• Booklets, brochures (non-advertising) 1
• Charts / graphs
• Cheques, cashier (NI)
• Deeds
• Documents, general business
• Drawings and plans, technical / architectural / engineering 2
• Invoices, not blank
• Manuscripts
• Music, printed or manuscript
• Newspapers 1
• Pamphlets
• Passports
• Personal mail
• Photos as part of business reports
• Price lists
• Shipping schedules
• Visa applications

1. Maximum quantity: 5 pieces
2. If items are contained in bids/proposals

NI = A negotiable instrument is a document guaranteeing the payment of a specific amount of money, either on demand, or at a set time, with the payer named on the document

Prohibited items

The following items are specifically not allowed to be sent with DHL to Namibia. This is in addition to DHL’s Globally standard list of prohibited items which can be found here.

• Airline tickets, blank stock (NI)
• Antiques
• Asbestos
• Credit card blanks (NI)
• Credit cards (NI)
• Dangerous goods, including hazardous or combustible materials
• Firearms, parts of
• Furs
• Gambling devices
• Jewellery, including costume jewellery
• Liquids, non-hazardous
• Playing cards
• Precious metals and stones
• Tobacco

Size and Weight notes

The maximum weight per shipment is 300 kg (660.0 lb). The maximum weight per piece is 30 kg (66.0 lb). Shipments exceeding these weight limits may incur additional delays. The maximum dimensions of each shipment are length: 120.0 cm (47 in); height: 80.0 cm (31.0 in); width: 80.0 cm (31.0 in)