Exporting minerals and gemstones from Namibia
Semi-precious stones, dimension stone, small-scale minerals.
Your route to a first minerals and gemstones shipment
| Where you are | What you buy | Total | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| New business: No registered CC or company yet | Export Starter Package + Minerals and Salt Export Pack | N$18,000 | 25–35 working days |
| Registered business: A CC or company, but no customs code yet | Export Registration + Minerals and Salt Export Pack | N$14,000 | 15–25 working days |
| Already an exporter: Customs code in hand, new to this commodity | Minerals and Salt Export Pack + Shipment Documents | N$11,000 | 10–15 working days |
The Minerals and Salt Export Pack is N$5,500, government fees included. Each shipment's documents after that are N$5,500.
What you need before we start
- A registered business, or the Export Starter Package to create one
- Your mineral rights, or the licence of the holder you buy from
- A description of the stones or minerals, with quantities and values
- A buyer or a target market; gemstone buyers often come to Namibia, dimension stone sells to processors abroad
Who regulates minerals and gemstones exports
- Ministry of Industrialisation, Mines and Trade (Mines): Mineral rights (claim or licence) and the export permit for every consignment of minerals or stones
- NamRA Customs: Exporter registration, royalty confirmation and the export declaration
- Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry: Certificate of origin
Documents on a first shipment
- Proof of mineral rights or a purchase from a licensed holder
- Mineral export permit
- Royalty return
- Certificate of origin
- Valuation certificate for gemstones
Where Namibian minerals and gemstones sells
China, India, European Union, United States.
- Diamonds, uranium and controlled minerals are exported only under state and licence-holder channels; this pack covers semi-precious stones, dimension stone, salt and other small-scale minerals that private exporters are allowed to sell.
What buyers ask for
- Rough or cut, with weight, grade and origin stated per lot
- A valuation certificate for gemstones, matching the customs declaration
- Royalty paid and shown on the export permit
- Dimension stone by block size and quality class, with a quarry origin certificate
- Certificate of origin for the buyer’s customs
Where first-time exporters go wrong
- Buying stones from an unlicensed digger, so the export permit is refused
- Royalties unpaid at the time of export
- Under-declared values that trigger a customs investigation
Frequently asked questions
Can I export stones I bought from small-scale miners?
Only if they hold a claim or licence and you can show it. Stones without traceable rights are refused an export permit and can be seized.
What about uranium, diamonds or gold?
Those move through licensed state channels only and are not covered by this pack.
How long does the pack take?
10 to 15 working days once your rights paperwork is in order.
Buying Namibian minerals and gemstones instead? See supply, specifications and verified suppliers.