The Directorate of International Trade of the Ministry of Industrialization and Trade (MIT) is responsible for coordinating the country’s trade policies and overseeing Namibia’s participation in international trade bodies. The Directorate is responsible for managing import/export procedures. Namibia is a party to the WTO Agreement on Import Licensing.
All imports are subject to licensing, but most licenses are automatically granted. A limited number of products are subject to non-automatic licenses, including medicines; chemicals; frozen and chilled fish and meat; live animals and genetic materials; controlled petroleum products; firearms and explosives; diamonds, gold, and other minerals; and seemingly all second-hand goods such as clothing and motor vehicles. In practice, however, MIT does not issue licenses for importing used clothing.
Most agricultural imports require a permit issued by MIT. The Namibian Agronomic Board issues permits for the import, export, and transit of controlled agronomic crops such as wheat and wheat products as well as corn and corn products. Imports of agronomic crops and derivatives, as well as all plants and plant products, also require the issuance of phytosanitary certificates by the MAWLF. The Namibian Meat Board regulates the import and export of live animals (cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs) and derivative meat products. Importers of live animals and meat products must demonstrate compliance with the country’s animal health standards by obtaining a veterinary import permit from the Directorate of Veterinary Services.
For inquiries regarding import and export requirements, you may contact:
Mr. Petrus Haufiku
Trade Policy Analyst
Ministry of Industrialization and Trade
Tel. +264-61-283 7322