Importing Personal Effects into Eswatini: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2023 · Download the Eswatini Import Guide (PDF)

Removal Goods

• Packing list.
• Copy of valid passport.
• Entry Permit / Work Permit.
• Original OBL / Copy of Airway Bill.
• Evaluated inventory / invoice (written in English).
• CE 101 (Non-diplomats) obtained by Shipper from Swaziland Revenue Authority.
• Certificate A (Diplomats) obtained by shipper organization from SRA.
• Shipper must be in Swaziland 10 day prior to arrival of shipment.
• Complete delivery address.

• No tax on HHG if they are used / been in possession of the owner for more than 12 months. If not, 15% tax will apply.

• New furniture, presents/gift and souvenirs: 15% tax and duties will apply.

Diplomats Removal

• Certificate from the diplomats' office.

• Duty free

Wedding trousseaux

• Invoice required.

• Subject to payment of duties.

Inheritance

• Copy of Will of deceased or certified relevant extract there from or copy of Probate from the Court, if the deceased died interstate. An English translation is necessary if document is not in English.
• Inventory (if copy will or other document does not specifically detail the goods to be imported) with supporting declaration from the lawyer confirming that the goods to be imported are the legatee's rightful share of
• the estate.
• Declaration from the legatee confirming that he is a permanent resident of Swaziland and a beneficiary under the will of the deceased.
• Special application must be made to customs.

• Duty free entry if the legatee is temporarily/permanently residing in Swaziland.

• The goods should not be dispatched until the customs have given authority for duty free entry.

New furniture household items / Presents and souvenirs

• Subject to payment of full duties.

Works of art, antiques

• Duty free entry if:
• Works of art are forming a part of a Bona Fide Household removal, or
• Articles are over 100 years old
• These articles have been in the use and possession of the owner for more than 12 months and
• Are not for sale or other disposal for 6 months after entry.

Precious metal objects

• Duty free entry is allowed on the same basis and under the same conditions as furniture and other articles.

Motorcars, motor cycles

• Original Registration Card.
• Original OBL.
• CE 101 Form.
• Interpol Clearance.
• Import Permit.

• Duty free entry if:
• The vehicles (cars, motorcycles, mopeds) will not be sold or otherwise disposed of for 2 years after the date of importation.

• Only 1 car per family allowed.
• Car must be under 2 years old.

Caravans, trailers

• Subject to payment of duties.

Dogs, cats, birds

• Import licence is granted after the owner has made arrangements for the period of quarantine with a licensed kennel.

Plants and vegetable products

• Not allowed.

Dangerous goods, firearms

• Valid firearm certificate.
• Import licence issued to the owner by the Police authorities.

• Duty-free.

Narcotics, drugs, incitements

• Importation prohibited.

Exporting Personal Effects from Eswatini: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2023 · Download the Eswatini Export Guide (PDF)

Removal Goods

• Copy of passport
• Copy of work permit/resident permit
• Copy of passport
• Letter from company stating end of contract

Diplomat Removals

• Same as above

Motor cars, Motorcycles

• Police clearance
• Invoice with value
• Copy of passport
• Copy of Work permit

Eswatini Moving Guide: Documents, Duties & Shipping Notes

Source: IAM Country Guide · Updated 2026-09-05 · Download the Eswatini Country Guide (PDF)

Documents

Documents required for importing used household goods, personal effects, and related shipments.

• Copy of passport showing entry permit
• Packing list
• Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB) — no express release accepted
• Original inventory (in English, dated, valued, and signed by the shipper)
• Residence permit / work permit
• CE 101 form
• DA65 or NEP form (returning citizens)

Specific Information

Returning citizens (DA65/NEP forms): To re-enter Eswatini with items that do not have serial numbers, returning citizens must have DA65 or NEP forms completed upon their departure from Eswatini. Without these forms, goods may be detained and proof of local purchase required upon re-entry.

No express release: The original bill of lading is required; express release is not accepted.

SACU membership: Eswatini is a member of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) along with Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, and South Africa. The five countries share a common external tariff. South Africa generally sets the tariff schedule in consultation with SACU members. Goods consigned to Eswatini from outside SACU must be cleared through customs at the first port of importation into SACU (typically a South African port).

Customs declaration: For personal declarations worth less than E15,000, use "Form E." For all other declarations, use the SAD500 form. Declarations are made through the ASYCUDA system.

Currency: Eswatini lilangeni (SZL), plural emalangeni. Pegged at par to the South African rand (ZAR). South African rand is widely accepted.

Cash declaration: All persons entering or leaving Eswatini with cash or negotiable bearer instruments valued at more than E15,000 (or equivalent) must declare to police or customs. Failure to declare carries fines up to E30,000 or imprisonment up to 5 years.

Duties & Taxes

No tax on used household goods. Used household goods enter free of duty and tax. New goods within the shipment are subject to 15% VAT (confirmed by PwC Tax Summaries 2026).

Prohibited & Restricted Items

• Unlawful drugs and narcotics — strictly prohibited
• Pornography — prohibited
• Local currency (emalangeni) — import prohibited
• Potassium bromides — prohibited
• Counterfeit items — prohibited
• Alcohol — treatment varies by source; some permit 1 bottle with duty; confirm current status with destination agent

• 400 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 250g tobacco
• Perfume: 10 fl. oz.
• New goods and groceries for personal consumption up to E1,000 per individual or E2,000 per family (one such importation per day; additional new goods above these allowances subject to 15% VAT)

• Firearms and ammunition — authorization from the Firearms Licensing Board required PERMIT REQUIRED
• Alcohol — 1 bottle permitted; duties of 15% apply
• Cosmetic creams — must be registered with the Ministry of Health
• Live animals — health certificate required along with complete and valid inoculations

Consignment Instructions

Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air/sea shipments.

Transit through South Africa is standard. Eswatini is a landlocked country surrounded almost entirely by South Africa (with a short border with Mozambique in the east). Most sea freight arrives at the port of Durban, South Africa and is transported overland. Customs clearance at the SACU entry point occurs before the goods reach Eswatini.

Original bill of lading required. Express release is not accepted. Ensure the original OBL is available for clearance.

DA65/NEP forms for returning citizens. Citizens who departed Eswatini should have completed DA65 or NEP forms on departure. Without these, goods without serial numbers may be detained on re-entry. This is a pre-departure requirement that movers should advise returning citizens about before they leave.

7-day clearance deadline. Goods must be cleared within 7 days of deemed importation.

Interpol clearance for vehicles. This must be obtained before shipping and verifies the vehicle is not stolen. Processing times vary by country of origin.

Currency pegged to rand. The lilangeni is at par with the South African rand. Both currencies circulate freely in Eswatini.