Import & export in Namibia.
A plain-English guide to moving goods into and out of Namibia, from documents to delivery.
Short answer: to import or export in Namibia you choose a transport mode, prepare the commercial documents, submit a customs declaration to the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA), pay any duties and taxes, and arrange delivery. A freight forwarder such as SI ALL Logistics can do all of these steps for you.
Step 1: Choose the transport mode
Sea freight through Walvis Bay is the most economical for heavy, bulky and non-urgent cargo. Air freight through Windhoek is fastest and suits urgent or high-value goods. Road freight is flexible for regional trade and for the last leg of any shipment. See our pages on sea freight, air freight and road freight.
Step 2: Prepare the documents
- Commercial invoice from the supplier
- Packing list
- Bill of lading (sea) or air waybill (air), or a road consignment note
- Import or export permits and certificates where the goods require them
- Proof of origin if you are claiming preferential duty treatment
Step 3: Customs declaration and clearance
Goods must be declared to customs, which in Namibia is administered by NamRA. Errors in the declaration are a common cause of delay, so it is worth having an experienced agent prepare it. Read more on customs clearance in Namibia.
Step 4: Duties, taxes and release
Applicable duties and taxes are paid and the goods are released. Your agent can explain what applies to your product before you commit to an order, so there are no surprises on landing.
Step 5: Storage and delivery
Once cleared, cargo is delivered to you or held in a warehouse until you need it. See warehousing in Windhoek and freight forwarding.
How to avoid delays
- Check whether your product needs a permit before you order
- Make sure invoice, packing list and transport document match exactly
- Share documents with your forwarder before the cargo ships
- Plan for port or border inspection time in your schedule
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Duties, permits and rules change, so confirm the details for your product with NamRA or your clearing agent.
Import and export questions
What do I need to import goods into Namibia?
In general you need a commercial invoice, a packing list, a transport document (bill of lading or air waybill), a customs declaration and any permits or certificates the goods require. Requirements vary by product, so confirm with your clearing agent or the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) before you ship.
Which port is used for sea freight into Namibia?
Walvis Bay is Namibia's main commercial port and the usual entry point for sea cargo.
Do I need a clearing agent to import into Namibia?
Most importers use a clearing agent or freight forwarder because it avoids declaration errors and delays. SI ALL Logistics can handle the full process for you.
Can SI ALL Logistics help me export from Namibia?
Yes. We arrange export freight, documentation and customs clearance, and can coordinate transport to the destination.
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