NAMIBIA

Bilateral relations Switzerland–Namibia

Relations between Bern and Windhoek are good and likely to grow closer in the future. The Namibian independence process, in 1989–1990, was the first occasion on which an (unarmed) Swiss military formation participated in a United Nations peacekeeping operation.

Economic cooperation

Namibia is a member of the Southern African Customs Union, and benefits from the free trade agreement concluded by that organisation with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

Trade between the two countries is conducted, in part, through South Africa. According to Swiss customs statistics, imports into Switzerland originating in Namibia amounted to CHF 2.9 million in 2010, and consisted principally of agricultural products and raw materials. Exports amounted to CHF 6.2 million, for the most part in the form of machinery. Namibia’s mineral resources have also attracted certain large commodity groups headquartered in Switzerland

Business language

English, German, Afrikaans.

Dimensions and weights

Metric system.

Currency

National currency Namibian Dollar (N$) = 100 Cents (c).

ISO code: NAD

Customs tariff

Harmonised system.

Import control

The import of goods is fundamentally liberalised.

Depending on the type of goods, there are special provisions based on national laws or international agreements. Coordination with the importer is advisable. The importer requires an import permit for certain goods.

Standard VAT rate: 15%

Terms of payment and tenders

The South African Rand is accepted as a means of payment (rate 1:1).

Payments via a confirmed, irrevocable letter of credit should be agreed. Use of documentary collection is possible.

Designations of origin

No special designations of origin. Misleading labelling should also include the name of the country of origin (“Made in …”).

Marking/labelling

No special regulations. In addition to the standard markings, including the note “Made in …” is recommended.

Labelling is required for certain groups of products such as agricultural products. Coordination with the importer is advisable.

Packaging

Do not use hay and straw. Use ISPM 15.

Shipping and accompanying documents

Professional equipment, trade fair goods and samples can be imported temporarily free of charge within the ATA Carnet procedure. Shipping and accompanying documents:

a) Commercial invoices, at least 2 copies in English required.

b) Certificates of origin are normally not required, however they can be requested by the importer or customs. As the origin, indicate “Swiss” in the case of Swiss goods, or “European Union” for goods originating from UE.

c) Packing list: if the invoice does not provide a clear overview of the goods contained in the individual packages, include a packing list that lists the type, trademark and contents of the individual packages clearly.