The Customs Tariff Book specifies the rates at which customs charges apply to imports of commodities entering Botswana from countries outside the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) (Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and eSwatini). A prescribed form (SAD 500), a declaration form also referred to as a bill of entry, is used to pay customs duties. All regional Customs and Excise offices sell a tariff book and a product codebook. The internet does not currently offer it. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is a confederation of fifteen member states that foster political and security cohesion as well as socioeconomic integration. In August 2008, the SADC Free Trade Area (FTA) was established. The SADC nations are lowering their tariffs at varying rates even though the FTA has not yet come into effect. If the effect is effective, it will permit the free flow of goods and services produced in the area, but each member state will continue to impose its external tariffs on countries that are not SADC members. To streamline processes and reduce import and export expenses, the Botswana Unified Revenue Services (BURS) drafted a proposed modification to the Customs and Excise Duty Act with help from USAID’s Southern African Trade Hub. The Attorney General’s Office is still deciding whether to evaluate the manuscript.
Requirements and documentation for imports
For goods entering Botswana directly from outside the SACU, except for those made in Malawi, import licenses are necessary and are available from the Department of International Trade in the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry. The import licenses cannot be transferred. The majority of the time, permits are granted upon request, and since Botswana abolished its foreign exchange controls in February 1999, it is easy to obtain enough foreign currency to finance operations. A 12% value-added tax applies to all imported items. VAT is not applied to goods that are exported from Botswana. For exterior trading, only the SAD 500 form is necessary. Shipping periods across SADC borders (especially South Africa) are frequently reported to be excessively delayed, with major negative economic effects. Although efforts have been made to streamline bonding requirements and enhance transit operations, progress has been sluggish.
Import duties
The Customs Tariff Book specifies the rates at which customs charges apply to imports of commodities entering Botswana from countries outside the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) (Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and eSwatini). A prescribed form (SAD 500), a declaration form also referred to as a bill of entry, is used to pay customs duties. All regional Customs and Excise offices sell a tariff book and a product codebook. The internet does not currently offer it. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is a confederation of fifteen member states that foster political and security cohesion as well as socioeconomic integration. In August 2008, the SADC Free Trade Area (FTA) was established. While the FTA is still being implemented, other SADC nations are lowering their tariffs. If the impact is effective, regionally produced commodities and services will be freely movable, but each SADC member state will continue to impose its external tariffs on countries that are not SADC members. To streamline processes and reduce import and export costs, the Botswana Unified Revenue Services (BURS) and USAID’s Southern African Trade Hub produced a draft modification to the Customs and Excise Duty Act. The Attorney General’s Office is still reviewing the manuscript.
Imports that are prohibited or limited
Obscene literature and habit-forming pharmaceuticals are among the prohibited imports (pornographic magazines and videotapes). Before getting import authorization from the Department of Trade and Consumer Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture must approve the import of specific agricultural goods and plants. Fresh pork and beef imports are prohibited, and only processed pork products are permitted imports. Imports of poultry are only permitted in the unlikely scenario that there is a shortage in the domestic market. Seasonal import restrictions apply to some fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products.
