Quick info guide

Contact information

The Chief Executive Officer
Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA)
Plot 5032, Great North Road, Lusaka
Email: info@zcsa.org.zm
Tel:  +260 211 224900​​​​​
Website: www.zcsa.org.zm

Information on importing goods into Zambia

To import into Zambia, documents such as a bill of lading, airway bill, Import Declaration Form, and commercial invoice are required to clear goods with Customs.  The Import Declaration Form is used for statistical purposes and is obtained free of charge.

The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has implemented the automated system for Customs data (ASYCUDA World) which provides a paperless Customs clearance for domestic tax processes, enhancing opportunities for stakeholders involved in trade logistics.

The ZRA Form CE 20, the standard form for entry and exit, is used for clearance at border posts.  Certification is required to import meat (certification available from the Veterinary Department), plants and seeds and fruits (phytosanitary certification from Mount Makulu Research Station), food and drugs (Ministry of Health and Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority), firearms and ammunition (Zambia Police), and gemstones and scrap metal export (Ministry of Mines).

 

Import Regulations and Licences

Statutory Instrument No.41 and Import Quality Monitoring Regulations, 2003 provides guidelines on import procedures and licenses to be issued. See below the application checklist, procedures, fees etc:

  • Importer of consignment containing a compulsory product applies to the Bureau for import commodity clearance before arrival of consignment at Port of Entry;
  • Importer submits packing list, copy of test certificate and other shipping documents;
  • Upon an importer registering an entry with Customs, the ASYCUDA World system charges ZCSA fees (Inspection and Certification) automatically as all the HS Codes for compulsory standards have been configured to the Single Payment Point;

The fees payable for the import clearance are;

  • Application Fee
  • Inspection Fee
  • Testing Fee
  • Certification Fee;

*Once a consignment complies with requirements of Standard; i.e. Import Quality Certificate and Batch Import Certificate, an Import Commodity Clearance is issued.

How to assess import business readiness

  • The importer should source product from reputable suppliers;
  • Products to be accompanied with test results from accredited labs;
  • Products need to comply with Zambian Compulsory Standards Agency requirements; and
  • One can access their import business readiness by conducting market research.

Tips to help importers succeed

  • Import products of high quality as the consumers want value for money products;
  • Avoid buying products which are about to expire;
  • Ensure that clearance processes are done with various agencies;
  • Invest in Quality Management Systems (QMS); and
  • Get products from reputable sources that implement QMS.