Importing Personal Effects into Zambia: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2024 · Download the Zambia Import Guide (PDF)

Removal of Returning Zambian citizens, including Diplomats

• For Returning Zambian Diplomats:
• Original valid diplomatic passport
• The shipment must arrive in Zambia within 6 months starting from the date of arrival of the client in Zambia
• Certified copy or original of the Letter of recall (Staff recall)
• Certified copy or original of the Letter of the first appointment into Foreign Service
• The client must have stayed out of the country for more than 4 years to qualify for duty free entry
• VALUED Packing list in English. Please avoid terms such as “PBO” or “Miscellaneous”
• Original Ocean Bill of Lading / Original of AWB
• Individual TPIN (Tax Payer Identification Number) whether one is paying Tax or not it’s mandatory
• Declaration of value (for customs purposes) signed and dated by the client.
• For Returning Zambians with no diplomatic status:
• Original passport
• Certified copy or original of the letter of appointments or offer of employment abroad
• Certified copies or Original of the
• termination / end of contract letter or proof of residence abroad
• Valued Packing list in English
• Original Bill of Lading, original of AWB
• Individual TPIN (Tax Payer Identification Number) Declaration of value signed and dated by the client (for customs purpose)
• Client is required to link their TPIN with the clearing agent’s TPIN on https://elicensing.zra.org.zm:8446/licensing/log in?login session=1 _
• For Sea Shipments passing through POE Beira, Walvis Bay, Durban or Dar Es Salaam, Transit Port requirements documents below are required from origin agent:
• Invoice
• Bill of Lading
• Inventory - should have the below details:
• 1. Values per item packed
• 2. Weights per item packed
• 3. Quantity per item packed

• Returning nationals, foreign residents and Zambian diplomats having lived abroad for more than 4 years are allowed to import one motor vehicle duty and tax free per household provided the vehicle was registered in the shipper’s name in the country of origin for more than 6 months.
• The shipment must be imported within 6 months from the date of first arrival in Zambia in order to be granted duty and tax exemption.
• If the returning national has lived abroad for less than 4 years, the importation of a motor vehicle and personal effects will be subject to Taxation on entering Zambia.
• The valuation in another country may not satisfy the Zambian Customs as they carry out their own valuation at port of entry.
• The Zambian Customs value stands and the duties are calculated and must be paid in Zambian Kwacha prior to leaving the border.

• The current rates for personal effects based on CIF value are 35% duties + 16% VAT on the accumulated total of the CIF and the duties (For Motor vehicles:
• 25% duties + 30% Excise duties + 16% VAT).Household Goods and Vehicles must be cleared separately and will incur as many customs clearance fees as the number of customs entries.
• A shipment containing Household goods + a car + a trailer will require 3 different customs entries. Please contact us for rates.
• The destination agent must receive the original Bills of Lading more than 10 days before the arrival of the vessel at the seaport of entry. Failure to do so will delay the shipment at port and attract storage charges.
• All rates for local services are subject to 16% VAT
• New items are subject to Import Duties & taxes + VAT. Only foreign diplomats can import new personal effects Duties & Tax free.
• RANDOM CUSTOMS INSPECTIONS on returning Zambian Diplomats shipments are carried out regularly.
• Items of Non-Household Goods nature such as building material, large quantities of groceries or fabrics, tools of trade, etc… will be considered as commercial goods and be subject to duties and Taxes.
• We therefore advise not to include such items in the shipment.
• The Zambian Government requires all inbound shipments containing wooden packing material to be fumigated / treated and marked as per ISPM-15 compliance.

Removal of Foreign Residents (new residents) (holders of foreign Passport + Employment, Investors, Self-Employment, Spouse & Resident Permits)

• Original Passport.
• The client must be in the country at the arrival of the shipment.
• Original work permit
• Copy of employment contract
• VALUED Packing list in English.
• Please avoid terms such as “PBO” or “Miscellaneous”
• Original Ocean Bill of Lading / Copy of AWB
• Individual TPIN (Tax Payer Identification Number) whether one is paying Tax or not it’s mandatory
• Declaration of value (for customs purposes) signed and dated by the client
• Client is required to link their TPIN with the clearing agent’s TPIN on https://elicensing.zra.org.zm:8446/licensing/log in?login session=1 _
• For Sea Shipments passing through POE Beira, Walvis Bay, Durban or Dar Es Salaam, Transit Port requirements documents below are required from origin agent:
• Invoice
• Bill of Lading
• Inventory - should have the below details:
• 1. Values per item packed
• 2. Weights per item packed
• 3. Quantity per item packed

• The shipment must arrive in Zambia within 6 months starting from the date of first arrival of the client in Zambia.

Foreign Diplomats Accredited to Zambia

• Original Diplomatic ID
• Certified Copy of the Diplomatic passport (certified by the Embassy/Organization or Commissioner of Oaths)
• Letter of introduction from organization
• Approved Protocol (Note Verbal) with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Takes 4-7 working days from date of submission.
• Client must be in Zambia prior the arrival of his goods.
• VALUED Packing list must be in English.
• Please avoid terms such as “PBO” or “Miscellaneous”
• Original Ocean Bill of Lading / Original of AWB
• Individual TPIN (Tax Payer Identification Number) whether one is paying Tax or not it’s mandatory
• Declaration of value (for customs purposes) signed and dated by the client.
• Client is required to link their TPIN with the clearing agent’s TPIN on https://elicensing.zra.org.zm:8446/licensing/log in?login session=1 _
• For Sea Shipments passing through POE Beira, Walvis Bay, Durban or Dar Es Salaam, Transit Port requirements documents below are required from origin agent:
• Invoice
• Bill of Lading
• Inventory - should have the below details:
• 1. Values per item packed
• 2. Weights per item packed
• 3. Quantity per item packed

• DIPLOMATIC ROAD/SEA SHIPMENTS
• Can only be cleared in Lusaka.
• They must therefore be Removed In Bond (RIB) from the border of entry to Lusaka terminal. Bond Fee applies.
• The shipment will then be final cleared in Lusaka.
• This process takes between 4 to 7 days pending the approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the shipment must therefore be offloaded from the truck to avoid “Truck standing time”.
• Additional charges for offloading and reloading will apply. Household Goods and vehicles must be cleared and RIB separately.
• A shipment containing Household goods + a car + a trailer will require 3 different
• customs entries and 3 RIB.
• DIPLOMATIC AIR SHIPMENTS
• At the arrival of the shipment at Lusaka airport, the customs papers will have to be processed through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before the destination agent can clear the goods.
• It can take 1 to 2 weeks. Please inform your client that there will always be storage at Lusaka airport and that it will be invoiced at cost to the client or to its organization.
• It is recommended to provide the destination agent with a copy of the AWB in advance in order to get the exemption documents from the Organization before the shipment is dispatched.

Vehicles

• Purchase invoice / letter of sale
• Registration documents from origin and ownership documents
• Details are required such as Engine and Chassis numbers, Colour, Model and Make
• INTERPOL clearance certificate / SARPCO (if originating from SADC region)
• JEVIC Certificate

• Returning Zambian Diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign affairs:
• Can import one additional motor vehicle for single and two for married people which are NOT duty and Tax free.
• The Department of Foreign Affairs pays those Duties and Taxes on behalf of the returning Diplomat by means of Government Voucher.
• However, the issuing of such vouchers takes up to 3 months from the date of entry.
• The vehicle cannot get cleared before the voucher is issued, Vehicles belongings to returning Zambian Diplomats can only be cleared in Lusaka.
• They must therefore be Removed In Bond (RIB) from the border to Lusaka terminal.
• An extra Bond Fee applies per vehicle.
• Bonded storage fees will apply from the tenth day onward. The Department of Foreign Affairs usually pays for storage charges, unless otherwise stated.
• Returning nationals, foreign residents and Zambian diplomats having lived abroad for more than 4 years:
• Are allowed to import one motor vehicle duty and tax free per household provided the vehicle was registered in the shipper’s name in the country of origin for more than 6 months.
• The shipment must be imported within 6 months from the date of first arrival in Zambia to be granted duty and tax exemption. If the returning national has lived abroad for less than 4 years, the importation of a motor vehicle and personal effects will be subject to Taxation on entering Zambia.
• The valuation in another country may not satisfy the Zambian Customs as they carry out their own valuation at port of entry.
• The Zambian Customs value stands and the duties are calculated and must be paid in Zambian Kwacha prior to leaving the border.

• All motor vehicles, caravans, trailers, motor bikes, quads and boats are cleared separately.
• The motor vehicle must have been owned for more than 6 months prior the import into Zambia.
• Any car been imported that is 5 years old or older will attract a fee of US$850.00.

Prohibited Items

• Narcotics, non-branded drugs and psychotropic substances
• Firearms, ammunition and weapons unless licensed in advance
• Obscene and pornographic literature, photographs and films
• Only 2.5 litters of Alcoholic Liquor and wine
• is permitted
• Tobacco, Food items and plants

• Please contact your destination agent before booking any restricted item into Zambia.

Exporting Personal Effects from Zambia: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2020 · Download the Zambia Export Guide (PDF)

Household Goods

• A certified copy of the client’s passport
• Plus other removal supporting removal documents such as:
• Packing lists
• Road manifest
• Non-commercial invoice for household goods only.

• Clearance process: 5-7 days.

Zambia Moving Guide: Documents, Duties & Shipping Notes

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

Documents

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

• Copy of passport certified by the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA)
• Packing list
• Original bill of lading (OBL) — express release accepted — or air waybill (AWB)
• Copy of resident permit or work permit, certified by the Zambia Revenue Authority
• Original letter of employment
• Tax Identification Number (TPIN)
• Detailed inventory in English, dated, valued, and signed by the owner of the goods — for any new items purchased less than 6 months before the shipment's arrival, attach the original purchase invoices

Specific Information

ISPM 15: All wooden packing materials must comply with ISPM 15 phytosanitary treatment standards.

The owner of the goods should be in Zambia before the shipment arrives. All required documents must be received by the destination agent before the shipment arrives to minimize port charges and storage costs. If Customs requests an interview with the shipper, the shipper must be present.

Documents must be certified by the Zambia Revenue Authority — straightforward passport copies are not sufficient. Allow time for certification before the shipment is dispatched.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

• Unlawful drugs and narcotics
• Pornographic materials
• Counterfeit goods
• Cultural artifacts and objects of cultural importance
• Henna
• Palm trees and any by-products of palm trees
• Explosive materials

Wildlife Products — Mandatory Minimum Sentence Warning: It is a serious criminal offence under both Zambian law and U.S. law to buy, possess, or transport animals or animal products including hippo or warthog tusks, tortoise shell, rhino horn, elephant ivory, or any items made from these materials. In Zambia, penalties include significant fines and a mandatory minimum five-year prison sentence. Asset forfeiture applies in addition. The Department of National Parks and Wildlife actively screens at all international ports of entry and departure. Local sellers frequently attempt to sell prohibited items to foreign tourists — it is the buyer's responsibility to avoid prohibited purchases. This warning applies equally to members' clients and their household goods shipments. [CITES]

Electrical items: 25% import duty + 16% VAT.

Computers: 15% import duty + 16% VAT.

Alcohol and spirits: Must be shipped separately from a personal effects shipment. Subject to 100% tax.

Tobacco (personal allowance): Cigarettes (200), cigars (50), cigarillos (100), tobacco (500 g).

Alcohol (personal allowance): 2.5 liters of alcohol and 2.5 liters of spirits.

Firearms and ammunition: Authorization from the territorial administration required. [PERMIT REQUIRED]

Hunting weapons: Authorization from the Ministry of Interior required. [PERMIT REQUIRED]

Endangered species and CITES-listed items: Authorization from CITES required; this includes any products or parts thereof. [CITES / PERMIT REQUIRED]

Medication: Subject to inspection and import controls.

Consignment Instructions

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

Documents Before Arrival — Critical. All documents must reach the Zambia destination agent before the shipment arrives. Zambia's port (the primary landlocked route goes through Dar es Salaam in Tanzania or Durban in South Africa) involves transit charges that accumulate rapidly. Late documents lead to significant demurrage and storage costs.

ZRA Certification. Copies of the passport and resident/work permit must be certified by the Zambia Revenue Authority, not merely notarized or photocopied. Arrange this certification process before the shipment departs origin.

New Items — Separate Inventory. Any items purchased less than 6 months before the shipment arrives must be listed separately on a detailed valued inventory with original purchase invoices attached. Failing to identify new items correctly is a common cause of clearance complications.

Alcohol — Ship Separately. Alcohol and spirits must not be included in the household goods shipment. They must be shipped separately and are subject to 100% tax. Advise clients at the booking stage.

Wildlife Awareness. Remind clients that Zambia has a strict zero-tolerance policy on prohibited wildlife products. Items such as carved wooden figures, curios, taxidermy, or decorative items that incorporate animal parts may be subject to seizure and prosecution. Advise clients not to include any animal products of uncertain origin.

Routing. Zambia is landlocked. Sea freight typically routes through Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) via the TAZARA rail corridor, or through Durban (South Africa) by road and rail. Both routes add transit time and cost. Confirm routing with the destination agent.