Sending a parcel to Namibia: Customs, VAT and delivery time
From Germany to Windhoek or Walvis Bay: Prepare business shipments safely
Namibia is located in southwestern Africa and is one of the region's most economically interconnected markets. For German companies, the country is particularly attractive in the areas of machinery, vehicle technology, mining equipment, energy and solar technology, and industrial spare parts.
- Shipping from Germany to Namibia
- Parcel, express and freight solutions
- Shipping to Windhoek and Walvis Bay
- Prepare customs and goods data digitally
- 15% import VAT must be taken into account.
- Check SACU customs tariff
- Clarify the importer's TIN in advance.
- Consider preferential origin
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Namibia combines SACU customs with digital import procedures
For business shipments, the customs tariff number, goods description, value of goods and origin should be determined before collection.
Additionally, it should be checked whether the recipient has a valid Trader Identification Number and whether an import license is required for the specific goods.
Include 15% VAT in your calculations.
Namibia levies a 15 percent value-added tax (VAT) on most imported goods. Certain goods are exempt from or subject to zero VAT.
SACU tariff instead of a flat customs duty rate
Namibia uses the common external tariff of the Southern African Customs Union. The specific customs duty therefore depends on the eight-digit tariff code.
TIN mandatory since April 2026
Customs declarations in ASYCUDAWorld have required valid Trader Identification Numbers (TINs) for all parties involved since April 1, 2026. Declarations without a valid TIN may be automatically rejected.
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Important information about customs and import duties
DAP or DDP to Namibia: Clarify import costs and importer beforehand
When making a business shipment to Namibia, it should be determined who will handle the import clearance before booking the shipment.
For DAP The seller organizes the transport to the agreed destination.
The import formalities and agreed import costs are generally the responsibility of the recipient.
This can include:
- Import duty according to SACU tariff
- 15% import VAT
- Excise taxes, if applicable
- Import permits
- Customs broker fees
- Carrier handling fees
For DDP However, the seller assumes further import obligations and agreed duties, provided that the carrier and import structure allow this.
In the case of Namibia, it should also be checked who is acting as the importer in ASYCUDAWorld and which TIN is being used.
Therefore, at least the following should be clarified before a binding DDP offer is made:
- HS code
- SACU customs rate
- Customs value
- Preferential origin
- 15% VAT
- Importer's TIN
- possible import permits
- Carrier and customs agent costs
Especially with machinery and high-quality spare parts, this preparation prevents the question of who can register the goods only being clarified after arrival.
What is the import duty in Namibia?
There is no single, flat-rate import duty for Namibia.
The country, along with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and South Africa, belongs to:
Southern African Customs Union, SACU.
Within the customs union, a common external tariff applies to goods from third countries.
Namibia uses an eight-digit customs code based on the Harmonised System and the SACU Common External Tariff.
Therefore, the following are crucial for the specific broadcast:
- eight-digit tariff number
- Product description
- Origin
- cart value
- possible preferential arrangement
The Namibia Revenue Agency provides its own [service/tool/etc.] for this purpose:
eTariff system
ready.
It includes, among other things:
- Tariff Search
- Tariff Browse
- Duty Estimator
- Advance Rulings
are available to support you.
How many digits does the HS code need?
The international HS code generally has six digits.
Namibia extends this classification within the SACU tariff to include:
eight places.
Especially with international shipments, misunderstandings can quickly arise because export and import tariff numbers can be of different lengths.
You can find out more at HS code lengths in international trade.
how high is the Value-added tax in Namibia?
The standard VAT rate is:
15%.
This rule generally applies to both taxable domestic deliveries and imported goods.
However, certain goods are exempt from taxes or have zero rates.
An interesting feature is the basis for calculating import VAT.
According to current Namibian rules, the higher value is generally used:
- FOB value plus 10%
- Market value of the goods
used.
This means:
15% VAT is not necessarily simply added to the invoice amount.
Therefore, the Namibian calculation method should be explicitly taken into account when calculating DDP or Landed Cost.
Depending on the goods, the following additional factors may also occur:
- Import duty
- Excise taxes
- Approval fees
- Customs broker fees
- Carrier fees
ASYCUDAWorld and TIN: Namibia tightens digital customs identification
Namibia uses the following for electronic customs clearance:
ASYCUDAWorld.
The system processes import and export declarations, among other things, and forms the basis for electronic customs clearance.
An important change has been in effect since:
April 1, 2026.
Since that date, NamRA has required a valid document for all customs transactions:
Trader Identification Number, TIN.
This includes, among other things:
- importers
- Exporters
- Declarants
- Clearing Agents
- other relevant stakeholders
The TIN must also be correctly linked to the respective ASYCUDAWorld profile.
If it is missing or invalid, the customs declaration will be automatically rejected and the goods cannot be released.
For German shippers, this means:
In the case of a commercial delivery, the recipient should confirm before collection that the necessary import data and registrations are available.
Pre-clearance can speed up import.
Namibia also allows the pre-registration of goods.
Customs declarations and supporting documents can be submitted before arrival.
This includes, among other things:
USA 500
Used in the ASYCUDAWorld system.
This can speed up the clearance process upon arrival, provided no additional checks are required.
Sending a package to Namibia: What companies should know beforehand
Namibia is one of the larger countries in southern Africa in terms of area, yet it is comparatively sparsely populated.
This can result in considerable distances between international logistics hubs and the actual recipient.
The most important economic and shipping locations include:
- Windhoek
- Walvis Bay
- Swakopmund
- Oshakati
- rundu
- keetmanshoop
Windhoek is the political and economic center.
Walvis Bay, on the other hand, is of particular importance for maritime and freight traffic.
What documents do I need for Namibia?
For commercial shipments of goods, the following information or documents are typically required:
- Commercial invoice
- Commercial invoice or packing list
- Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
- precise product description
- eight-digit tariff number
- cart value
- Country of origin
- Importer's TIN
- Proof of origin, if applicable
- Import permit (if applicable)
- If applicable, test or veterinary documents
The Namibian Trade Information Portal lists the following documents as required for import: transport document, commercial invoice/packing list, and bill of entry. Depending on the goods, a certificate of origin, inspection certificate, or import license may also be required.
Do I need an import permit for every item?
No.
Namibia distinguishes between:
- automatically approved goods
- goods requiring approval
- prohibited goods
For automatically approved goods, the regular customs declaration is generally sufficient.
Controlled products, on the other hand, require authorization from the relevant authority before import.
One example is certain tires and used goods for which the Trade Information Portal explicitly lists import permit procedures.
Are there any customs advantages for goods from the EU?
Yes, under certain conditions.
Namibia is part of:
EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreement.
The agreement between the EU and several southern African states regulates preferential trade in goods and has been provisionally applicable to Namibia since 2016.
This may result in a more favorable customs duty rate for certain goods with preferential EU origin.
This is also important:
Shipping from Germany is not the same as EU preferential origin.
A product must actually meet the rules of origin of the agreement.
Supplier declarations and other proofs of origin can play an important role in this.
How long does it take to send a package to Namibia?
DHL Parcel currently states a delivery time estimate of:
6 to 14 working days.
The storage period there is currently 30 days.
Express shipments can be transported significantly faster, depending on the destination and service.
The actual runtime also depends on:
- Target region
- Customs clearance
- Type of goods
- Import permits
- Carrier
Outside of Windhoek and Walvis Bay, onward transport may take additional time.
Which language should I use for the customs declaration?
DHL currently lists the following for Namibia:
English.
The product description should be formulated as specifically as possible.
Not:
“Machine Parts”
but for example:
“Stainless steel bearing housing for industrial conveyor system”
This makes the product, material, and use much clearer.
Write the address to Namibia correctly
DHL requires Latin letters and Arabic numerals.
Post office box addresses are also common in Namibia.
DHL, for example, cites an address scheme with recipient, post office, PO Box and destination.
For commercial shipments, the following should always be included:
- Phone number
- Email address
- Company name
be deposited.
These errors are delaying shipments to Namibia
In Namibia, it's not just the invoice and customs tariff number that are important.
Since 2026, the identification of the importer has also been among the points that should be checked before collection.
Typical problems include:
- The importer's TIN is missing.
- TIN is not linked to ASYCUDAWorld
- The eight-digit tariff number was incorrectly determined.
- The product description is too general.
- The value of the goods cannot be verified.
- Preferential origin is stated without proof
- Import permit was not checked
- The invoice and customs declaration do not match.
- Recipient data is incomplete
Especially with technical products, tariff classification should not be discussed only during customs clearance.
The Namibian eTariff system even offers the possibility of an advance ruling in cases of doubt. namra.org.na
Clean master data is therefore significantly cheaper than creative customs improvisation.
What goods are shipped from Germany to Namibia?
Namibia's economy is heavily influenced by mining, raw materials, agriculture, energy, tourism and transport.
This opens up interesting areas of application for technical products and capital goods for German companies.
Typical B2B shipments might contain, for example:
- Machines and production facilities
- Mining and Conveyor Technology
- Machine spare parts
- Vehicle and commercial vehicle parts
- Pumps and water technology
- Electrical Engineering
- Solar and energy technology
- Measurement and testing technology
- Tools and workshop equipment
- IT and communication technology
Due to mining, agriculture and large distances, vehicles, commercial vehicles and corresponding wear parts also play an important role.
When shipping tires, for example, size, packaging, carrier specifications and any special surcharges must be taken into account.
You can find out more at International tire shipping.
Especially with technical spare parts, the correct customs tariff number should also be determined.
Shipping information: Namibia
Standard, express or freight to Namibia.
Various transport solutions are available for shipping to Namibia.
Standard package
For smaller and less time-critical shipments, an international parcel service can be used.
DHL Parcel currently states:
6 to 14 working days.
Further information about this service can be found at DHL Parcel and international shipping options.
Express Shipping
For urgent spare parts, production materials or documents, an express service is recommended.
The specific delivery time should be checked based on the destination address.
Freight shipping
Air and sea freight are particularly suitable for machinery, pallets, vehicle parts or larger quantities of goods.
Walvis Bay connects Namibia to international supply chains
Namibia has a strategically important port on the Atlantic coast in Walvis Bay.
This allows the country to handle its own trade flows as well as serve as a gateway to several landlocked countries in southern Africa.
For larger B2B deliveries, the following are particularly relevant:
- Container traffic
- Project cargo
- Machine
- Vehicles
- industrial components
From Walvis Bay, goods are then transported via road corridors to other parts of Namibia and to neighboring countries.
For time-critical goods, however, air transport plays a crucial role:
Hosea Kutako International Airport
plays an important role in Windhoek.
NamRA describes a clearance process in which clearing agents prepare customs declarations and the authority checks, among other things, value, commodity code, origin, as well as prohibitions and restrictions.
Therefore, the appropriate shipping method depends heavily on whether a small spare part, an express shipment, or a complete machine delivery is to be transported.
What import costs might arise in Namibia?
Import costs can consist of several components.
Depending on the product, the following may be included:
- SACU import duty
- 15% import VAT
- Excise taxes, if applicable
- Import license costs
- Customs broker fees
- Carrier handling fees
A possible EU-SADC tariff preference could reduce import duties.
Import VAT is to be considered separately.
Also of particular importance is the special Namibian VAT assessment basis.
Generally, the tax is calculated on the higher value of FOB plus ten percent or market value.
This can result in the actual import tax differing from a simple calculation based on the invoice value.
How much does a package to Namibia cost?
The shipping cost depends in particular on:
- Weight
- Dimensions
- Volumetric weight
- Shipping service
- Standard or express shipping
- Target region
- Type of goods
- Additional Services
Additionally, variable surcharges may apply with international carriers.
These include, for example, fuel, energy, remote area or special handling surcharges.
We demonstrate how carrier surcharges can change, for example, under DHL Energy Surcharge 2026: New Component Explained.
Especially in the case of Namibia, the target region should also be taken into account.
A shipment to Windhoek may incur different costs than a delivery to a remote mining or farming region.
Online trade to Namibia: Clearly communicate import costs and tracking information
Online retailers can also sell goods directly to customers in Namibia.
Since this involves shipping to a third country, additional costs may apply on top of the price of the goods and shipping:
- Import duty
- 15% VAT
- Carrier handling fees
- additional product-dependent costs
However, a general statement such as "15 percent import tax" is not sufficient for a reliable final price calculation.
Customs duty rate, special VAT basis of assessment and possible additional costs must be considered together.
Under DAP (Delivered at Place), the recipient generally pays the agreed import costs.
Transparent communication is therefore important for shops.
In addition to the costs, the shipping status should also be clearly visible.
A dedicated tracking page can help keep customers in the shop environment after purchase and reduce inquiries about the shipment status.
You can find out more at Tracking page with custom branding.
SACU, EU-SADC EPA and TIN make Namibia special in terms of customs law.
Namibia combines several systems that German exporters should be aware of.
The country is:
- Member of the Southern African Customs Union
- Part of the EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreement
- Users of ASYCUDAWorld
- Since April 2026, a mandatory Trader Identification Number has been in place.
This means that the goods themselves are not the only deciding factor in importation.
Equally important are:
- tariff classification
- Origin
- Importer registration
- preferential entitlement
SACU membership also means that the customs tariff is not set in isolation for Namibia alone.
At the same time, the EU-SADC agreement can be of interest to German companies if the goods actually meet the required rules of origin.
This combination makes clean article master data maintenance particularly valuable.
Which carrier is suitable for Namibia?
For shipments from Germany to Namibia, various international parcel, express and freight providers are available.
Depending on the shipment and destination, the following can be used, for example:
- DHL
- DHL Express
- UPS
- FedEx
- international air freight partners
- Sea freight and forwarding partner
When comparing prices, one should not only consider the base price.
Other important criteria include:
- Runtime
- Customs service
- Tracking
- Insurance
- Weight limits
- maximum package dimensions
- Target region
- Outlying area surcharges
Therefore, a different solution may be more appropriate for a standard package to Windhoek than for an urgently needed spare part for a mining operation far outside the capital.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shipping
Can I send a package from Germany to Namibia?
Yes. Parcels, express shipments, and business goods can be sent from Germany to Namibia. Since Namibia is outside the EU, shipments require complete customs information.
How long does it take to send a package to Namibia?
DHL Parcel currently estimates delivery times of 6 to 14 business days. Express shipments can be faster. The actual delivery time also depends on the destination region and customs clearance.
What is the value added tax rate in Namibia?
The standard VAT rate is 15 percent and generally applies to imported goods as well. Tax exemptions or a zero rate may apply to certain goods.
What is the import duty in Namibia?
Customs duties depend on the specific goods. Namibia is a member of the Southern African Customs Union and uses its common external tariff. The exact rate is determined by the eight-digit tariff number.
What is SACU?
SACU stands for Southern African Customs Union. Its members are Namibia, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, and South Africa. Among other things, these countries use a common external tariff for goods from third countries.
Is there a trade agreement between Namibia and the EU?
Yes. Namibia is a member of the EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreement. Goods with preferential origin can benefit from lower customs duties, depending on their tariff classification.
What is the TIN in Namibia?
TIN stands for Trader Identification Number. Since April 1, 2026, a valid TIN has been mandatory for customs transactions via ASYCUDAWorld. Customs declarations without a valid number may be rejected.
What is ASYCUDAWorld?
ASYCUDAWorld is Namibia's electronic customs system. It is used, among other things, for processing import, export, and other customs declarations.
Do I need an import permit for Namibia?
Not all goods are exempt. Many products can be imported through the regular customs procedure. However, for certain controlled goods, the importer must apply for the appropriate permit in advance.
What language should the customs declaration be in?
DHL specifies English as an acceptable language for the customs declaration to Namibia.
How is import VAT calculated in Namibia?
The standard rate is 15 percent. The basis for calculation is generally the higher of the FOB value plus ten percent or the market value of the goods.
Which port is particularly important for Namibia?
Walvis Bay is Namibia's most important international seaport and a major logistics hub for containers, machinery and other large goods shipments.
