Namibia - Trade BarriersNamibia - Trade Barriers
According to the World Bank’s 2016 Doing Business Report, Namibia ranked 118 out of 189 countries for Trading Across Borders. The report notes that nine (9) documents are required to export a product from Namibia, and seven documents to import a product into the country. The average time to export is 25 days, while 20 days on average are required for imports.
Beyond customs delays, the government has imposed a number of import and export restrictions, mostly on agricultural products. White maize, wheat, mahangu (pearl millet), and products derived from these three grains are controlled. Controlled grain crops can only be imported or exported with permits issued by the Agronomic Board and the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MWAF). For each controlled grain there are specific restrictions, but restrictions do not include price controls.
The government has also instituted an import substitution program for horticultural products requiring importers to source a designated percentage of produce from within Namibia before acquiring horticultural products from foreign markets. Farmers of livestock must demonstrate that they have complied with export restrictions before they are entitled to export. For example, for every live sheep exported, a farmer must have six sheep slaughtered within Namibia.
As a member of SACU, Namibia is bound by certain tariff quotas that affect the import of food products, namely butter, cheese, milk powder, and wheat. Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.
Beyond customs delays, the government has imposed a number of import and export restrictions, mostly on agricultural products. White maize, wheat, mahangu (pearl millet), and products derived from these three grains are controlled. Controlled grain crops can only be imported or exported with permits issued by the Agronomic Board and the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MWAF). For each controlled grain there are specific restrictions, but restrictions do not include price controls.
The government has also instituted an import substitution program for horticultural products requiring importers to source a designated percentage of produce from within Namibia before acquiring horticultural products from foreign markets. Farmers of livestock must demonstrate that they have complied with export restrictions before they are entitled to export. For example, for every live sheep exported, a farmer must have six sheep slaughtered within Namibia.
As a member of SACU, Namibia is bound by certain tariff quotas that affect the import of food products, namely butter, cheese, milk powder, and wheat. Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.