NAMIBIA
Logistic and forwarding services in Namibia
Namibia
Capital City
Windhoek
Population
2,35 Mio.
National languages
English, Afrikaans, German
Currency
Namibia-Dollar (NAD)
Gross national product (GNP)
USD 12.57 Mrd.
GNP per person
USD 5691
Financial exports to Switzerland
CHF 5.76 Mio.
Financial imports from Switzerland
CHF 1.06 Mio.
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.