Imports and Exports Advice
As a contractor, we promise to take care of all supply chain management needs to make your shipment travel safe on time.​
Learn all the secrets from this section about import and export procedures in various countries (Central Africa).
ZAMBIA - IMPORT TARIFFS
Customs valuation is added value on a Cost Insurance and Freight (CIF) basis. A small number of goods may be imported duty-free.​
These include medicines, pharmaceuticals, veterinary supplies, medical equipment, computer parts, and chemicals in bulk, fertilizers, and seeds.
Most goods fall into one of three tariff bands:
*0-5% (Capital Equipment and Raw Materials);
*15% (Intermediate Goods); or
*25% (Finished Goods).
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Duty on productive machinery for agriculture, aquaculture, solar energy and mining is zero percent.
Sources: Zambia Import Tariffs
MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE WEIGHT FOR 40FT/20FT CONTAINERS IN TANZANIA
Forlan Logistics Ltd recommends Total weight container and cargo to Tanzania or via transit cargo to be:
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– 20’ DV Container:
Tare Weight (Empty shipping container): 2,300 kg
Payload (Maximum cargo weight that a container can carry): 22,000 kg
Gross weight 24,300Kg
– 40’ DV Container:
Tare Weight: 3,750 kg
Payload: 21,000 kg
Gross weight 24,750Kg
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WHAT IS THE ESTIMATED TIME OF ARRIVAL (ETA)?
Date and time at which an air or ship journey is expected to arrive at named city or port. Also called expected time of arrival.
The method of shipping can be via air, ocean or by domestic shipping services such as rail or truck.
WHAT IS THE ESTIMATED TIME OF DELIVERY (ETD)?
The estimated time of delivery (ETD) refers to the date and time that a shipment is expected to be delivered at the final destination. E.g Nakonde/KK intl Airport, Chirundu, Dar Es Salaam Port Typically, this date is not estimated and planned due to an appointment made with the consignee.
WHAT ARE THE COMMON EXPORT DOCUMENTS?
Commercial Invoice
A commercial invoice is a bill for the goods from the seller to the buyer. These invoices are often used by governments to determine the true value of goods when assessing customs duties. Governments that use the commercial invoice to control imports will often specify its form, content, number of copies, language to be used, and other characteristics.
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Export Packing List
Considerably more detailed and informative than a standard domestic packing list, an export packing list lists seller, buyer, shipper, invoice number, date of shipment, mode of transport, carrier, and itemizes quantity, description, the type of package, such as a box, crate, drum, or carton, the quantity of packages, total net and gross weight (in kilograms), package marks, and dimensions, if appropriate.
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Pro Forma Invoice
A pro forma invoice is an invoice prepared by the exporter before shipping the goods, informing the buyer of the goods to be sent, their value, and other key specifications. It also can be used as an offering of sale or price quotation.
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EXPORT COMPLIANCE DOCUMENTS
Export Licenses
An export license is a government document that authorizes the export of specific goods in specific quantities to a particular destination. This document may be required for most or all exports to some countries or for other countries only under special circumstances.
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CERTIFICATES OF ORGIN
The Certificate of Origin (CO) is required by some countries for all or only certain products. In many cases, a statement of origin printed on company letterhead will suffice. The exporter should verify whether a CO is required with the buyer and/or an experienced shipper/freight forwarder or the Trade Information Center.
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