Clear answers to the questions our clients ask most.

For a standard commercial import you will need a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, SAD 500 declaration, and any commodity-specific permits (e.g. SABS letter of authority, phytosanitary certificate, or radio communication licence). We will review your documents for consistency before submission and advise on any missing items.

A straightforward, fully-documented clearance at Walvis Bay or Lüderitz typically completes within 24–48 hours of arrival, provided no inspection or query is raised. Transit cargo and shipments requiring permits may take longer. We monitor each file daily and escalate delays immediately.

A Bill of Entry (in Namibia, the SAD 500 declaration) is the official document submitted to Customs declaring the nature, value, origin, and tariff classification of imported or exported goods. It is the legal basis on which duty and VAT are assessed and the cargo is released.

FCL (Full Container Load) means your cargo fills an entire container and you pay a flat rate per container. LCL (Less than Container Load) means your cargo shares a container with other shippers and you pay per cubic metre or tonne, whichever is greater. FCL is more cost-effective above ~15 CBM; LCL suits smaller consignments.

Yes. We coordinate door-to-door delivery across Namibia and the wider SADC region by combining sea, air, and road legs. We will quote an all-in rate covering origin handling, freight, destination clearance, and final delivery, or itemise each leg if you prefer.

We clear cargo through both Namibian ports — Walvis Bay and Lüderitz — and arrange cross-border road freight via the major border posts (Ariamsveld, Noordoewer, Ngoma, Katima Mulilo, Oshikango, Trans-Kalahari) into South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and beyond.

Import duty is calculated as a percentage of the customs value (usually CIF) using the tariff rate for the relevant HS code. VAT is charged at 15% on the sum of customs value + duty + any excise. Some goods qualify for SACU preferential rates or specific rebates. We will calculate the exact liability before submission so there are no surprises.

Yes. We process temporary import permits for equipment, exhibition goods, and project cargo, and arrange the relevant carnets or rebate provisions so that duty is suspended or refunded on re-export. This is common for mining exploration equipment and construction plant.

A Certificate of Origin (COO) declares the country in which your goods were produced. It is required when your buyer claims preferential tariff treatment under SADC, COMESA, or other trade agreements, and may be required by the importing country even where no preference applies. We arrange COOs through the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry on your behalf.

Yes. We coordinate cold-chain exports of fish, meat, grapes, and other perishables through Walvis Bay and Lüderitz, including booking reefer containers, arranging pre-cooling, and verifying health and phytosanitary certificates prior to loading.

SAD stands for Single Administrative Document — the standard customs declaration form used across SACU member states. In Namibia it is the SAD 500 for imports and SAD 504 for exports. We complete and submit these declarations electronically via ASYCUDA World on your behalf.

Errors are corrected through a customs amendment process (VOC — Voluntary Disclosure or a formal SAD 500 amendment, depending on timing and severity). Minor clerical errors are routinely corrected post-release; material errors affecting value or tariff must be disclosed to avoid penalty. We handle the entire correction process for you.

Yes, through trusted partners at Walvis Bay, Lüderitz, and inland locations including Windhoek. We can arrange bonded storage (where duty is suspended until release), general warehousing, and cross-docking for time-critical distribution.

Yes. We consolidate multiple LCL shipments from different suppliers into a single FCL to reduce per-unit freight cost. This is particularly valuable for retail and trading clients sourcing from multiple origins in Asia or Europe.

Used vehicle imports are subject to specific permit requirements, roadworthiness inspection, and the standard customs duty plus VAT on the customs value. We handle the import permit, clearance, and coordination with the relevant testing station. Bring your export documentation, vehicle registration, and purchase invoice — we will guide you through the rest.

Yes. We handle export declarations, port handling, and roll-on/roll-off or container booking for vehicles being exported from Namibia to SADC destinations or overseas markets. We also coordinate with the buyer's clearing agent at destination.

Customs release means the SAD 500 has been assessed and duties paid, and Customs has authorised release of the cargo. Port release means the terminal operator has released the container against payment of THC, storage, and other port charges, and it can be collected. Both are required before a container can leave the port.

Submit complete and accurate documents at least 48 hours before vessel arrival, ensure duties are paid promptly on assessment, and arrange transport as soon as the container is releasable. We monitor these milestones daily and will alert you the moment action is required from your side.