Shipping from USA to Namibia

When you’re shipping goods from the USA to Namibia, you must first know what documents to secure, and then find out which ones of your items are dutiable, and which ones may be exported without any fees. Below is a quick overview.

On household items

The documents you will have to secure for the importation of household items will depend on your travel status. They’re detailed below:

i.    If you’re a diplomat, you will need to secure a Diplomatic Clearance Certificate signed by the embassy and countersigned by the Department of Foreign Affairs. All personal effects and household items will be duty-free.
ii.    If you’re a temporary resident of Namibia, you will need to present your passport and working permit (temporary) before you can claim imported items. Used household items are usually duty-free, while brand new ones are dutiable.
iii.    Immigrants from another country will have to present their passport and their permit of residence. The shipment must arrive within 6 months after the issuance of the certificate. Only brand new items are dutiable as well.
iv.    If the exported item from the USA is an inheritance for a permanent resident of Namibia, a copy of both the will and testament and the beneficiary’s certificate of permanent residence must be presented. Duty and tariff fees may apply to very valuable items.
v.    Artwork and antiques will be dutiable. In importing such items, certification for their age, value, and ownership need to be presented.

If the importer is having two or more containers of random items shipped to Namibia, all of them should be accounted for in a single waybill. Electronics or “white goods” like freezers will be taxed 40% of the declared value will have to be paid to the Namibian customs, even if they are used items.

On motor vehicles

As with goods, the documentation and fees necessary for the importation of vehicles from the USA to Namibia will depend on the importer’s status:

i.    Diplomats need to secure their passport, the vehicle’s registration documents and proof of their ownership. The vehicle may be brought into the country duty free if the diplomatic protocols have been met.
ii.    Temporary residents may import pre-owned cars, provided that they have owned the vehicle for a total of two years (minimum) before leaving for Namibia. They are also required to pay a cash bond of 25% to 45% of the vehicle’s value so they may export the vehicle again to the USA once their work permit expires.
iii.    Returning Namibian residents need to pay full duties and taxes if they are to import vehicles from the USA to their home country. Documents necessary for the importation include their passport, the vehicle’s registration papers from the country of origin, and proof of the importer’s ownership.
iv.    Immigrants from the USA to Namibia may export their used vehicles to the country duty- and tax-free as long as they can prove that they have owned the vehicle for a minimum of 12 months prior to their departure for Namibia. Otherwise, the vehicle will be subjected to duty and tariff fees amounting to 15% to 30% of the vehicle’s value. Some exemptions may apply for workers shippers who have special work permits issued by the Namibian Government. These work permits must specifically detail duty-free importation of vehicles into the country, no matter what the age and make of the vehicle is. Pertinent documents for immigrants include passports, certificate of residence, and the vehicles’ registration papers and invoice.

Any misrepresentation of the goods’ or vehicles’ values/age/ownership may be used as reason for impoundment. Make sure that your documents are authentic, and that they may be easily verified by the Namibian customs authorities to avoid any delays in clearance. Motorcycles, construction machinery, boats, and other types of vehicles may need special permits. To acquire these permits, consult the Embassy of Namibia in the USA. Prepare the vehicle’s model number, make, title and other pertinent documentation before making your inquiry. Duties and taxes may apply, depending on the nature of importation.