Regional Seed Trade Info Guide

All you need to know about seed trade

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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
  1.  Valid seed seller’s License
Cost (ZMK)

ZMK. 210.00 annually

Official Length of process

1 – 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 contacts

Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA)
Kindly click on link in the summary window for contacts.

Documents Required to complete the process
  1. The email address used to create the account
  2. The name of the company/individual
  3. The TPinApplication form to import seed.
Cost (ZMK)

Nil

Official Length of process

10 – 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
  1. Notice to import application form.
Cost (ZMK)

A single variety of less than 30 tonnes ( ZMK. 75.00)

Official Length of process

1 – 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
  1. Filled notice to import form.
Cost (ZMK)

ZMK. 50.00

Official Length of process

1 – 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
  1. PiP
  2. Notice to import seeds
  3. Seed importers license
Cost (ZMK)

ZMK. 52.50

Official Length of process

1 – 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 process

Nil

Cost (ZMK)

TBD based on country of origin

Official Length of process

1 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 process

N/A

Cost (ZMK)

Nil

Official Length of process

1 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 process

N/A

Cost (ZMK)

Dependent on Agency Fees

Official Length of process

Dependent on Agency


Step 9: Scan relevant pre-clearance documents

Body in charge and office contacts

Importing Company

Documents Required to complete the process

Customs Documents

  1.  Import Permit
  2. Export Permit
  3. Certificate of Origin (SADC or COMESA)
  4. Packing List
  5. Delivery note
  6. Commercial Invoice

Plant Quarantine

  1. Fumigation Certificate and /or report depending on country of origin
  2. Phytosanitary Certificate
  3. Plant Import Permit
  4. Non GMO certificate

Seed Control

  1. ISTA certificate- Consignment has passed parameters on the ISTA orange certificate.
Cost (ZMK)

Nil

Official Length of process

Dependent on self

Clearing Procedure

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 process

Customs Documents

  1.  Import Permit
  2. Export Permit
  3. Certificate of Origin (SADC or COMESA)
  4. Packing List
  5. Delivery note
  6. Commercial Invoice

Plant Quarantine

  1. Fumigation Certificate and /or report depending on country of origin
  2. Phytosanitary Certificate
  3. Plant Import Permit
  4. Non GMO certificate

Seed Control

  1. ISTA certificate- Consignment has passed parameters on the ISTA orange certificate.
Cost (ZMK)

Nil

Official Length of process

Max 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 process

Nil

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 process

Plant Qurantine:

  1. Fumigation Certificate
  2. Phytosanitary Certifact
  3. Plant Import Permit

Seed Control:

  1. Passed parameters on the ISTA orange certificate.
Cost (ZMK)

Nil

Official Length of process

5 – 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
  1. Release order stamped
Office Contact and Link to application website/document

 

Cost (ZMK)

Nil

Official Length of process

1 Day