Namibia Import Restrictions

by countryaah · Published June 2, 2019 · Updated February 13, 2025

In order to enter Namibia, certain goods are subject to specific controls and, regardless of their value and quantity, they require the consent of Namibia government, preferably, license must be obtained prior to passage through the customs, preventing the goods from being retained. On this page, you will see what kinds of items are prohibited from entering the Namibia, and which items need special documentation before exporting to Namibia.

Namibia, located in Southern Africa, has a relatively open trade policy and is an active participant in international trade through regional agreements such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). Despite this openness, Namibia has put in place a set of import restrictions and licensing requirements aimed at protecting public health, national security, and the environment. These regulations also help to maintain fair competition within local markets, promote sustainable economic development, and ensure the safe introduction of goods into the country.

Namibia’s import regulations are overseen by the Namibian Customs and Excise Department, which is responsible for enforcing import duties, tariffs, and ensuring compliance with national trade policies. In addition to customs regulations, other government departments such as the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, and the Environmental Investment Fund play a key role in regulating the importation of specific goods, such as pharmaceuticals, agricultural products, chemicals, and environmentally sensitive materials. These authorities ensure that all imported goods comply with the country’s standards, laws, and policies.

For businesses and individuals looking to import goods into Namibia, understanding these import restrictions is critical. Non-compliance can lead to customs delays, fines, or even confiscation of goods. It is important to be aware of prohibited items, as well as products requiring import licenses, to ensure that imports align with the country’s legal and regulatory framework.

Prohibited Items for Import into Namibia

Namibia has specific prohibitions in place to prevent the entry of goods that pose a threat to public health, safety, national security, or the environment. These items are considered to be harmful to the population or the country’s resources and, as such, are banned from entering the country. These prohibitions are in line with Namibia’s international trade obligations and its domestic policies aimed at protecting the health and safety of its citizens.

Products Harmful to Public Health and Safety

The Namibian government places significant importance on protecting public health and safety. As such, certain goods are prohibited from being imported due to their potential harmful effects on individuals or society.

Illicit Drugs and Narcotics: Namibia enforces strict laws against the importation of illegal drugs and narcotics. The Namibian Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Act prohibits the importation of any narcotic substances, including but not limited to heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines, and synthetic drugs. This aligns with the country’s obligations under international conventions such as the United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. The Namibian Customs and Excise Department, in cooperation with law enforcement agencies, actively monitors shipments to prevent the entry of illegal drugs into the country. The penalties for attempting to import illicit drugs are severe, including imprisonment and heavy fines.
Counterfeit Medicines and Substandard Products: Namibia has strict regulations in place to prevent the importation of counterfeit pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and health products that do not meet safety standards. The Ministry of Health and Social Services is responsible for overseeing the importation of pharmaceuticals, ensuring that only approved medicines that have been tested for safety and efficacy enter the country. Counterfeit medicines, which may be ineffective or harmful, pose serious health risks to the public and are therefore strictly prohibited. Similarly, substandard medical devices, which could compromise patient health, are not allowed into the country. The government has set up systems to monitor and enforce these regulations, ensuring that imported health-related products are safe and reliable.

Environmentally Harmful Goods

Namibia is committed to environmental protection, especially given its vast natural resources and fragile ecosystems. As part of its environmental protection efforts, the country has implemented restrictions on the importation of goods that could harm the environment or contribute to pollution.

Hazardous Waste and E-Waste: Namibia adheres to the Basel Convention on the control of transboundary movements of hazardous waste and its disposal. The country bans the importation of hazardous waste, including industrial waste, medical waste, and electronic waste (e-waste). E-waste, which includes discarded electronics such as computers, mobile phones, and televisions, contains toxic substances like mercury, lead, and cadmium that pose environmental and health risks. Namibia’s regulations prevent the importation of such waste to safeguard its environment. The Environmental Investment Fund works in conjunction with other agencies to ensure that imported waste materials do not endanger the country’s ecosystems.
Products Derived from Endangered Species: Namibia is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and has stringent regulations concerning the importation of products derived from endangered species. These products include ivory, animal skins, rare plants, and other wildlife products that may contribute to the illegal trade of endangered species. The import of these goods is banned to prevent the exploitation of wildlife and protect biodiversity. Namibian authorities, in partnership with international conservation organizations, actively monitor the importation of wildlife products and enforce penalties for violations of these regulations.

Products Requiring Import Licenses

While many products are prohibited outright, other goods can only be imported into Namibia with the appropriate licenses. These licenses are designed to ensure that certain goods meet national safety, health, environmental, and economic standards before they enter the country. Import licenses are typically required for goods that pose a higher level of risk, are highly regulated, or are subject to strict monitoring and control.

Goods Subject to Import Licensing

Several categories of goods require an import license in Namibia. These products are subject to regulatory scrutiny to ensure they comply with national laws, safety standards, and environmental policies.

Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices: The importation of pharmaceutical products, medical devices, and other health-related products is highly regulated by the Ministry of Health and Social Services. Importers must obtain an import license to bring these products into the country. The Ministry ensures that imported medicines and medical devices meet safety and efficacy standards and that they are not counterfeit or substandard. To obtain an import license, importers must submit detailed documentation about the product’s composition, its approval from internationally recognized regulatory bodies, and certifications of compliance with local standards. The goal is to protect public health by ensuring that only safe and effective health products are available in the country.
Agricultural Products and Livestock: The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry regulates the importation of agricultural products, including seeds, fruits, vegetables, grains, and livestock. Importers must obtain a license before bringing these goods into Namibia. The Ministry’s objective is to protect the country’s agricultural industry from the introduction of harmful pests, diseases, and invasive species. Importers of agricultural products are required to comply with strict phytosanitary and veterinary standards. This includes the submission of certificates of origin and health certification to prove that the imported goods meet Namibia’s standards for food safety and quality. The Ministry also regulates the importation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and requires special permits for these products to ensure that they meet safety and environmental standards.

Environmentally Regulated Goods

Namibia enforces regulations concerning goods that may have a negative impact on the environment. These goods require import licenses to ensure they meet the country’s strict environmental standards.

Chemicals and Hazardous Materials: The Environmental Investment Fund regulates the importation of chemicals and hazardous substances to ensure that they do not pose a risk to human health or the environment. Chemicals such as industrial solvents, pesticides, and fertilizers require import licenses to ensure compliance with local environmental regulations. Importers must submit detailed information about the chemical composition, safety data, and potential environmental impacts of the substances. The government evaluates whether the chemicals comply with national standards for safe handling, storage, and disposal. In addition to regulating the import of chemicals, Namibia has laws governing their use, ensuring that they are not harmful to the environment or public health.
Plastic and Packaging Materials: Namibia has been increasingly concerned with plastic waste and pollution, particularly in its coastal areas. As such, the importation of plastic products, particularly non-recyclable plastics and single-use plastics, is regulated by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. Importers of plastic products must ensure that their goods comply with the country’s sustainability and recycling standards. For non-biodegradable plastics, importers may need to provide documentation proving that the products meet Namibia’s waste management and recycling requirements. The country encourages the importation of environmentally friendly products and has introduced regulations to minimize plastic pollution. The Ministry requires importers to comply with these regulations, and failure to do so could result in penalties or delays in the clearance of goods.

Regulated Consumer Goods

In addition to pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and environmentally sensitive goods, several types of consumer goods are subject to import licensing in Namibia. These goods are typically subject to regulations to ensure they meet safety, quality, and technical standards.

Motor Vehicles and Spare Parts: The importation of motor vehicles, especially used cars, is regulated by the Ministry of Transport. To ensure that vehicles meet safety and environmental standards, importers must obtain a license before bringing vehicles into the country. The Ministry inspects vehicles to ensure they comply with local road safety regulations and emissions standards. Used vehicles, in particular, are subject to more stringent scrutiny to ensure they meet safety requirements. Additionally, spare parts for vehicles must meet quality standards, and importers must provide documentation proving compliance with national safety regulations.
Electronics and Household Appliances: The importation of electronics and electrical appliances such as televisions, refrigerators, air conditioners, and washing machines requires an import license. These products must comply with local safety regulations and energy efficiency standards. The Namibian Standards Institution ensures that electrical products meet the necessary technical specifications and that they are safe for use by consumers. Importers must submit documentation certifying that their products comply with national and international standards for safety and efficiency. This process ensures that only safe and energy-efficient electronics and household appliances are available to Namibian consumers.