Sending a package to Afghanistan – be aware of customs and export controls

Check availability in advance

Not every shipping method and destination region is permanently accessible. Therefore, please check which transport options are currently offered before booking.

Complete customs data

Please provide an accurate description of the goods, their value, the customs tariff number, and the country of origin. Incomplete information may delay customs clearance.

Clearly identify recipient

Name, address, telephone number and six-digit postal code must be complete. For business mailings, the company name and end use should also be verified.

Shipping from

57.37 €

Delivery in

2-10 days

Guaranteed total cost for Platinum customers

DDP shipping to Afghanistan

DDP shipping cannot be offered as a standard service for Afghanistan. Before booking, it must be verified whether the chosen shipping provider supports the assumption of import duties.

The Afghan recipient must also be able to act as the importer. Missing registrations or unclear import responsibilities can prevent customs clearance.

DAP is often the more practical solution. In this case, the recipient assumes the import duties and any necessary import formalities.

• Check DDP availability in advance

• Clearly identify the importer in Afghanistan

• Do not promise a blanket reduction of import duties.

• Consider DAP as a possible alternative

Customs duties on shipments to Afghanistan

Afghanistan is not a member of the European Union. Therefore, all goods shipments from Germany must be fully declared for both export and Afghan import.

The amount of import duties depends on several factors, including:

• Customs tariff number

• Type of goods

• cart value

• Country of origin

• Usage

• possible import permit

A correct customs tariff number is particularly important. General descriptions such as "spare parts", "gift" or "technical accessories" are often insufficient.

In addition to the value of the goods, transport and insurance costs can also be taken into account for the calculation.

Taxes and other levies in Afghanistan

For Afghanistan, a general VAT rate should not be specified for all imports. The actual rate can depend on the type of goods, the customs tariff, and the current Afghan tax regulations.

In addition to import duties, other taxes, fees, or handling charges may apply. These must be checked for each specific shipment.

Special customs regulations for Afghanistan

For shipments to Afghanistan, complete and verifiable customs data is required.

The following information should be included on the commercial or pro forma invoice:

• complete sender details

• complete recipient details

• Detailed product description in English

• Quantity and unit price

• Total value and currency

• Customs tariff number

• Country of origin

• Usage

• Incoterm

• Transport costs

• Invoice number and invoice date

Since October 1, 2024, Afghanistan has been using a new six-digit postal code system. For city addresses, the postal code precedes the city or province name. Universal Postal Union

A reachable phone number is also important. In many regions, it is used to coordinate deliveries.

Typical problems when shipping to Afghanistan

Many delays are caused by incomplete addresses or missing customs information. A displayed shipping rate also does not automatically guarantee delivery to every region.

Typical errors are:

• outdated four-digit postal code

• missing six-digit postal code

• incomplete recipient address

• missing phone number

• inaccurate product description

• incorrect customs tariff number

• missing purpose

• no clearly identified importer

• missing import permit

• Unverified recipient

• undeclared batteries

• no confirmation for the target region

The Latin spelling of the address should be agreed upon with the recipient beforehand. Different spellings of place and street names can complicate delivery.

Frequently requested goods for shipping to Afghanistan

Shipments sent to Afghanistan include documents, medical products, spare parts, tools, technical equipment, textiles, relief supplies and business equipment.

Sample goods, machine components, and personal belongings can also be part of international shipments. However, not all goods can be exported or imported without further inspection.

Additional permits or documentation may be required for medicines, medical devices, food, radio technology, drones, batteries and certain technical products.