Import/Export Trading Company Registration in Namibia

Do I need a special licence to import or export in Namibia?

For general trade goods, no more than the standard Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade (MIT) trade licence and a NamRA customs code, both included in this package. Namibia is a SACU and WTO member, so most goods clear automatically once you hold these. A shorter list of restricted goods, medicines, chemicals, frozen or chilled fish and meat, live animals, controlled petroleum, firearms and explosives, diamonds, gold and other minerals, and second-hand goods, needs a prior permit from the relevant regulator before the MIT licence is issued. If your goods fall into one of those categories, tell us before you order: it changes the process and the price, and is not part of this fixed package.

What entity type does this register?

A Close Corporation (CC), the fastest and most affordable entity for a Namibian-resident trading business. If you want a Private Company (Pty) Ltd instead, for banking credibility with larger counterparties or because you plan to bring in outside shareholders, we can quote that as an upgrade; the tax, VAT, customs code and trade licence components stay the same.

How long does the whole process take?

Typically 10–15 working days from receipt of your documents: 5–7 days for CC registration at BIPA, then tax, VAT, customs code and trade licence applications run in parallel once the CC certificate is issued. Government processing times are outside our control and can extend this, but delays caused by an error on our side are ours to fix at no extra cost.

Is VAT registration compulsory for a new trading company?

Compulsory VAT registration applies once your taxable turnover passes N$1,000,000 a year (VAT Amendment Act 5 of 2024). Below that, voluntary registration is available from N$200,000 turnover and is often worth it for a trading business, since you can claim back the VAT on imported stock. This package includes VAT registration either way, so you are ready before you hit the threshold rather than scrambling once you do.

What is a customs code and why do I need one?

A customs code (importer/exporter code) is the NamRA registration that lets you formally clear goods through Namibian customs, at the border or at the port. Without one, a freight forwarder or clearing agent cannot process your shipment under your business’s name, and you would be paying someone else’s clearing fees on top of your own.

Ready to register your business in Namibia?

Chrimson Consultants provides end-to-end import/export trading company registration in namibia services in Namibia. Get in touch today.