AFGANISTAN

Switzerland-Afghanistan bilateral relations

The long-standing good relations between the two countries focus on Switzerland’s humanitarian and development policy work in Afghanistan. Switzerland has a long-term commitment to the development and reconstruction of the country.

Economic cooperation

In Afghanistan, a rural country, agriculture is a key sector. Bilateral trade volume is low: in 2014, imports amounted to 0.1 million, exports to CHF 7.3 million. Swiss investments in Afghanistan are very small.

Contractual provisions

Afghanistan- EU Included in generic autonomous preferential customs. Contract partners TIR agreement

Business languages

English, Arabic

Weights and measures

Metric system

Currency

Afghan country currency (AF) =100 pulses

ISO Code: AFN

Customs Tariff

Harmonized system

Import control

For example, alcoholic beverages, live pigs and pig products, certain ozone-depleting substances, ammonium nitrate, vehicles over 10 years old, weapons and ammunition, etc. are currently subject to import bans. Some special import restrictions-measures concern, for example, plant products, food, telecommunication equipment, etc. It is advisable to contact the respective ministry in advance regarding goods subject to import restrictions. It should be considered that many imports to Afghanistan are realized through a transit from Pakistan. Transit requires a transit permit from the Pakistani customs authorities. Currency traffic is liberalized.
Business tax: 3%.

Payment terms and offers

We recommend payment on the basis of irrevocable letter of credit or prepayment.
Offers in € or US $ on a CIF Karachi basis (by sea) or on a CIF basis through CFI states (shipments to be agreed in advance).

Indications of origin

There is no obligation but “Made in …” marking is nevertheless advisable. Packages should clearly indicate place of origin, net and gross weight, brand, number and measurements.

Original data and packaging

Sturdy, waterproof, impact-resistant and dust-resistant packaging is recommended, this is because of the difficult transport conditions. Straw and hay are allowed as packaging materials. Ask the importer for further packaging requirements.

Patterns and samples of goods

Samples, even those without commercial value, must be registered at import and are not subject to customs for minimum values. The threshold values are approximately AF 1000,-

Shipping and accompanying documents

(a) Commercial invoices: 3-6 commercial invoices in English with all commercial data, e.g., name of goods and country of origin data. At the bottom of the invoice should be signed according to the regulations (trade register entry) with the expected wording: “The statements in this invoice are true and correct according to our books” – notarized through the Chamber of Commerce and Handicrafts. In case there is an Afghan representation at the exporter’s place of business, authentication is required.
b) Certificate of Provenance 3 copies required. Regarding the certificate of provenance, the country of origin (Switzerland or other country if applicable) should be stated. c) Bills of lading without authentication. A notification address is required for the issuance of order bills of lading.
d) Packing list in 2 copies in English with precise indications such as weights, contents, external dimensions is required.
e) Postal packages up to 31.5 kg: 1 foreign package card , 3 English customs content indications, 1 commercial invoice to be included in the package.