Exporting processed food from Namibia
Meat products, Kalahari products, beverages, snacks.
Your route to a first processed food shipment
| Where you are | What you buy | Total | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| New business: No registered CC or company yet | Export Starter Package + Processed Food Export Pack | N$20,000 | 25–35 working days |
| Registered business: A CC or company, but no customs code yet | Export Registration + Processed Food Export Pack | N$16,000 | 15–25 working days |
| Already an exporter: Customs code in hand, new to this commodity | Processed Food Export Pack + Shipment Documents | N$13,000 | 10–15 working days |
The Processed Food Export Pack is N$7,500, 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 product list with ingredients, shelf life and current labels
- The target country, because its label and certificate rules decide the route
- A food-safety system in the factory, or a plan to put one in place
Who regulates processed food exports
- Namibian Standards Institution: Product certification and batch testing against the destination standard
- Ministry of Health and Social Services: Health certificate for food consignments where asked for
- Ministry of Agriculture (Veterinary Services): Veterinary health certificate for anything containing meat or dairy
- NamRA Customs and NCCI: Exporter registration, export declaration and the certificate of origin
Documents on a first shipment
- NSI certificate or test report
- Health or veterinary certificate
- Certificate of origin (SADC or EUR.1)
- Labelling that meets the importing country’s rules
- Halal certificate for Middle East buyers
Where Namibian processed food sells
South Africa and SACU, SADC, European Union (plant-based), Middle East (Halal).
- Namibia is one of a handful of African countries approved to sell beef into the EU and the United States, so processors that keep the veterinary paperwork clean start with a trust advantage.
What buyers ask for
- Labels in the importing country’s language with allergens, nutrition table, date marks and importer details
- NSI test report or certification against the destination standard
- Health certificate, and a veterinary certificate for meat or dairy content
- Halal certificate for Middle East buyers
- Shelf life long enough for sea freight plus retail time
Where first-time exporters go wrong
- Labels that do not meet the importer’s language, allergen or date rules
- No NSI test report, so the buyer’s customs holds the goods
- Shelf life too short for sea freight
Frequently asked questions
Can I export meat products?
Only from an approved establishment with veterinary certification. If your product contains meat or dairy, tell us first; it changes the route and we scope it with you.
Does NSI test every batch?
It depends on the product and the destination. Some need a one-off certification, others a test report per batch. We choose the cheaper route that the buyer’s customs accepts.
How long does the pack take?
10 to 15 working days for our part. NSI testing time depends on the laboratory and the product.
Buying Namibian processed food instead? See supply, specifications and verified suppliers.