Zambia Import Procedure
Pre-Clearing Procedure
- Step 1: Obtain Seed Importer's License
-
Body in charge and Office Contact
Seed Control and Certification Institute (SCCI)
Documents Required to complete the process- Valid seed seller’s License
Cost (ZMK)ZMK. 210.00 annually
Official Length of process1 – 2 days
- Step 2: Register on Zambia Single Window System:
https://www.zesw.gov.zm/zesw/
Step one: Click on Agriculture, a username and password. Since you are new you click on new user. Then enter
the details and submit/register. After you successfully register make sure you log in to your
account.
Step two: Send an email with the following details to this email address –
CUST-HELPDESK@zra.org.zm and copy
KALABAB@zra.org.zm and KalobweE@zra.org.zm
– The email address used to create the account
– The name of the company/individual
– The Tpin
Step three: Your account will be activated and you will be able to log in and apply for
permits.Body in charge and office contactsZambia Revenue Authority (ZRA)
Kindly click on link in the summary window for contacts.Documents Required to complete the process- The email address used to create the account
- The name of the company/individual
- The TPinApplication form to import seed.
Cost (ZMK)Nil
Official Length of process10 – 15 Mins
- Step 3: Submit notice to import
-
Body in charge and office contacts
Seed Control and Certification Institute (SCCI)
Documents Required to complete the process- Notice to import application form.
Cost (ZMK)A single variety of less than 30 tonnes ( ZMK. 75.00)
Official Length of process1 – 2 day(s)
- Step 4: Apply for Plant import Permit (PiP)
-
Body in charge and office contacts
Zambia Agricultural Research Institute-PQPS (ZARI)
Documents Required to complete the process- Filled notice to import form.
Cost (ZMK)ZMK. 50.00
Official Length of process1 – 2 days
For new varietys which have not undergone pest risk assessment – 2 Weeks to a Month - Step 5: Apply for an Import Permit
-
Body in charge and office contacts
Ministry of Agriculture (Agribusiness Department)
Kindly click on link in the summary window for contacts.Documents Required to complete the process- PiP
- Notice to import seeds
- Seed importers license
Cost (ZMK)ZMK. 52.50
Official Length of process1 – 2 Day
- Step 6: Forward Import Permit to Country of origin
-
Body in charge and office contacts
TBD based on country of origin
Documents Required to complete the processNil
Cost (ZMK)TBD based on country of origin
Official Length of process1 Day
- Step 7: Obtain an OECD label and Certificate of Origin
-
Body in charge and office contacts
Seed Control and Certification Institute (SCCI) or COMESA
Documents Required to complete the processN/A
Cost (ZMK)Nil
Official Length of process1 Day
- Step 8: Contract a clearing agent
-
Body in charge and office contacts
Zambia Revenue Authority has a list of certified clearing agents in the country.
Kindly click on link in the summary window for contacts.Documents Required to complete the processN/A
Cost (ZMK)Dependent on Agency Fees
Official Length of processDependent on Agency
- Step 9: Scan relevant pre-clearance documents
-
Body in charge and office contacts
Importing Company
Documents Required to complete the processCustoms Documents
- Import Permit
- Export Permit
- Certificate of Origin (SADC or COMESA)
- Packing List
- Delivery note
- Commercial Invoice
Plant Quarantine
- Fumigation Certificate and /or report depending on country of origin
- Phytosanitary Certificate
- Plant Import Permit
- Non GMO certificate
Seed Control
- ISTA certificate- Consignment has passed parameters on the ISTA orange certificate.
Cost (ZMK)Nil
Official Length of processDependent on self
- Step 10: Register the consignment
-
Body in charge and office contacts
Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA)
Kindly click on link in the summary window for contacts.Documents Required to complete the processCustoms Documents
- Import Permit
- Export Permit
- Certificate of Origin (SADC or COMESA)
- Packing List
- Delivery note
- Commercial Invoice
Plant Quarantine
- Fumigation Certificate and /or report depending on country of origin
- Phytosanitary Certificate
- Plant Import Permit
- Non GMO certificate
Seed Control
- ISTA certificate- Consignment has passed parameters on the ISTA orange certificate.
Cost (ZMK)Nil
Official Length of processMax 48 hours (Usually 24 hours)
- Step 11: ZRA to inspect shipment and assessment fees to be settled
-
Body in charge and office contacts
Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA)
Kindly click on link in the summary window for contacts.Documents Required to complete the processNil
Cost (ZMK)Cost depends on consignment
Official Length of process–
- Step 12: Obtain Port Health Shipment Clearance
-
Body in charge and office contacts
Ministry Agriculture
Kindly click on link in the summary window for contacts.Documents Required to complete the processPlant Qurantine:
- Fumigation Certificate
- Phytosanitary Certifact
- Plant Import Permit
Seed Control:
- Passed parameters on the ISTA orange certificate.
Cost (ZMK)Nil
Official Length of process5 – 30 Minutes
- Step 13: Physical consignment is relased
-
Body in charge and office contacts
Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA)
Kindly click on link in the summary window for contacts.Documents Required to complete the process- Release order stamped
Office Contact and Link to application website/documentCost (ZMK)Nil
Official Length of process1 Day
Clearing Procedure