Customs Regulatory Updates – Middle East, Africa
Important customs regulations changes in Middle East, Africa
Saudi Arabia – Imports
De Minimis Values |
For: Shippers, Receivers
Shipping: Packages
Effective: January 1, 2024
Changes in Customs clearance regulations in Saudi Arabia have mandated new requirements for express shipments.
What you need to know
All Shipments:
- 15% VAT applies regardless of shipment value
B2B shipments:
- Air waybill address clarification:
- Consignee name is considered the Importer of Record (IOR) otherwise,
- If different, address to Importer of Record in care of the Consignee
- Subject to Customs Duties
- Importer of Record (IOR) Commercial Registration Number on the Commercial Invoice is required
- Commercial Invoice should include the Certificate of Origin
- Companies are required to register DHL Express as a nominal clearing agent
C2C and B2C shipments only:
- Shipments with values below SAR 1,000.00:
- Cleared on a consolidated customs entry
- Shipments with values exceeding SAR 1,000.00:
- Cleared on an individual customs entry
- Require the Importer’s National Identification Number (10-digits) in the VAT number field
Botswana – Exports, Imports
Import and Export Regulations Update |
For: Shippers, Receivers
Shipping: Packages
Effective: July 1, 2024
What you need to know
A permit is required for importing and exporting all agricultural and mining products.
Imports
All goods shipped to Botswana must be accompanied by an original commercial invoice from the supplier. Medicines, cosmetics, and supplements are subject to port health inspection to determine entry into the country.
Exports
All shipments must be accompanied by a complete commercial invoice.
- For Medicine: Doctor’s prescription must be provided
For mining products Export Permit must be provided
For Agricultural products Permit/Phytosanitary Certificate must be provided
Namibia – Exports, Imports
Commercial Invoice Requirements |
For: Shippers, Receivers
Shipping: Packages
Effective: August 5, 2024
What you need to know
The Namibian Revenue Authority (NamRA) is enforcing the Customs and Excise Act, 20 of 1998.
For all B2B (Business to Business) and all B2C (Business to Consumer) shipments Imported to or Exported from Namibia:
- Will require a formal, company-generated invoice (i.e., Original Commercial Invoice including the Supplier's Company logo or letterhead, provided either in electronic or hardcopy format)
- Will be possible only if the formal, company-generated invoice is provided to DHL Express when creating the shipment using the DHL Shipping Applications.
Angola – Imports
De Minimis and Formal Entry Changes |
For: Shippers, Receivers
Shipping: Packages
Effective: June 1, 2024
What you need to know
Angolan Customs Authorities have changed import regulations for all shipments valued at 1,500,000 AOA or less
- A Formal Customs Declaration is required
- Duties and Taxes will be applied
Oman – Imports
Identification Required for Shipments to Oman |
For: Shippers
Shipping: Packages
Effective: April 14, 2024
What you need to know
The Oman Customs Authorities require all shipments to Oman, except Business-to-Business (B2B), include the Oman Importers Civil Identification Number as part of the import customs declaration.
Morocco – Imports
Tax Identification Number |
For: Shippers, Receivers
Shipping: Packages
Effective: January 1, 2024
Moroccan authorities require international business-to-business (B2B) shippers to provide the Moroccan importer’s tax identification number, also known as the Common Company Identifier (ICE), for shipments sent to Morocco.
What you need to know
International businesses must include the Moroccan business receiver’s tax number on customs invoices.
Namibia – Exports, Imports
Trade Verification System |
For: Shippers, Receivers
Shipping: Packages
Effective: October 16, 2023
Namibian Revenue Authority has implemented the Trade Verification System (TVS).
What you need to know
- Shippers must provide commercial invoice details as per the Namibian regulatory requirements.
- Advanced Payment shipments must include:
- Exports – UCR Number (Unique Consignment Reference) on the commercial invoice
- Exporters and Imports – Proof of Payment (POP) with shipping documents
Namibia – Exports, Imports
Tax Identification Number |
For: Shippers, Receivers
Shipping: Packages
Effective: February 6, 2023
What you need to know
- The Namibia Revenue Authority (NamRA) requires a Tax Identification Number (TIN) for all shipments to and from Namibia
- Namibian citizens and residents must be registered with the NamRA to send and receive shipments
- Shippers who wish to pay the Namibian Import Customs Duties and Taxes (on behalf of the Receiver) must provide the TIN on the customs invoice
- Receivers who are responsible for the payment of the Namibian Import Customs Duties and Taxes must provide their TIN directly to DHL Express via email
Kenya – Imports
Anti-Counterfeit Import Permit |
For: Shippers, Receivers
Shipping: Packages
Effective: January 1, 2023
For shipments to Kenya containing electrical machinery and equipment, the Kenya Anti-Counterfeit Authority requires an import permit (ACA Permit) which states the goods are legitimate (not counterfeit, fake, pirated, etc.).
What you need to know
The application for the ACA Permit can be submitted by either:
- The Kenyan importer
- DHL Express on behalf of the Kenyan importer for a service charge
To receive assistance filing for the ACA Permit, call 0711-017120 extension 100 or Email Us.
United Arab Emirates – Imports
Customs Invoice Validation Requirements |
For: Shippers, Receivers
Shipping: Packages
Effective: February 1, 2023
United Arab Emirates (UAE) customs authorities require "Attestation" (declaration or proof) of any customs invoice that has a value of AED 10,000 or more.
What you need to know
- Business-to-Business shipments that include at least one customs invoice with a value of AED 10,000 or more must be submitted for attestation to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC)
- Either the Shipper or the Receiver may register with UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) and submit customs invoices for attestation
- Attestation is not required prior to shipment transport. Attestation can be completed either:
- Before the shipment is given to DHL Express
- Or, within 14 days after the shipment has been cleared for release by UAE customs
Morocco – Imports
Formal Declaration Required for Ecommerce Shipments |
For: Shippers, Receivers
Shipping: Packages
Effective: July 1, 2022
Moroccan customs authorities have changed import regulations for ecommerce shipments (products purchased online from a retailer) valued at 125 USD or less.
What you need to know
- A formal customs declaration is required
- Duties and taxes will be applied
Tanzania – Imports
De Minimis and Formal Entry Changes |
For: Shippers, Receivers
Shipping: Packages
Effective: February 1, 2022
What you need to know
Tanzanian Revenue Authorities have increased the de minimis value (value threshold under which no duties or taxes are levied) to 50 USD and removed formal entry requirement for De Minimis shipments.