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Country Commercial Guides for FY 2000: Zambia Report prepared by U.S. Embassy Lusaka, released July 1999   Note*

CHAPTER VI: Trade Regulations and Standards

Trade Barriers: A small number of goods may be imported into Zambia duty-free. Most goods fall into one of three tariff bands: 5% selected raw materials, and capital equipment); 15% (intermediate goods); or 25% (final products). Duty on productive machinery for agriculture and mining is zero percent. A 5% Import Declaration Fee on all goods was rescinded effective July 1, 1998.

Customs Valuation: Customs valuation is ad valorem on a CIF basis.

Import Licenses: Import licenses have been abolished. Certification must be obtained for the following imports: meat (Veterinary Service); plants (Mount Makulu Research Station); food & drugs (Ministry of Health); firearms and ammunition (Zambia Police). Ivory imports are banned.

Export Controls: Export licenses are required for: fertilizer, firearms, live animals, and wildlife trophies.

Import/Export Documentation: Standard customs declarations are required for imports. Banks are responsible for documenting payment. Most imports over 5,000 U.S. dollars must undergo pre-shipment inspection by SGS, and should have the accompanying documentation.

Temporary Entry: It is difficult to get duty-free temporary entry except for transit goods. In most cases, duty must be paid and a refund applied for through the duty-drawback scheme upon re-export. Regulations for import under bond requires a written application to the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) which, upon inspection of the custody facility, will certify/authorize import under bond. Goods leaving the bonded facility need to be declared to the ZRA and Customs Office.

Labeling/Marking Requirements: There are no special labeling or marking requirements.

Prohibited Imports: There are no prohibited imports of otherwise legal goods.

Standards: Standards legislation is outdated and not enforced. Several companies have undertaken to become certified to ISO 9000.

Free Trade Zones/Warehouses: There are no free trade zones. Bonded warehouses are available.

Special Import Provisions: N/A

Membership In Free Trade Arrangements: Zambia belongs to the 20-member Common Market of Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and 14-member Southern African Development Community (SADC). COMESA has committed to free trade area among its members by October 2000; SADC has a similar proposal for the year 2004.