Types of Shipments
Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will
require different paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting
statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
You can also skip ahead to the table containing the list of
Commonly Required Documents.
Documents Only
The following items are accepted as document shipments to Botswana
from Canada:
- Annual reports
- Bids and proposals
- Books
- Brochures and pamphlets
- Cash letters
- Computer print-outs
- Diplomas
- Drawings
- Intercompany mail
- Manuscripts
- Price lists
- Seismic data
- Specification sheets
Botswana places restrictions on certain documents as shown below:
| Document Type |
Restriction |
|---|
| Forms |
Must be blank |
| Manuals |
Only if of a technical nature |
| Newsletters |
Only if they are for use within a company |
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
Shipping Gifts
Gifts shipped to Botswana from Canada are duty-free upon entry to the
country providing:
- The parcel's value is 400 South African rand or less (about $35 CAD)
- The gift was sent without any request by the recipient
- A maximum of 2 gifts per recipient per calendar year are sent
- They are neither alcoholic beverages nor tobacco products
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
A gift shipment from an individual in Canada to an individual in
Botswana will be exempt from duty if:
- It does not contain tobacco, tobacco products, or alcoholic
beverages
- The recipient has not asked for the gift (it was unsolicited)
- The gift has a value of not more than 400 South African rand (about
$35 CAD)
NOTE: A person in Botswana may only
receive a maximum of 2 gifts per calendar year.
Shipments from Business-to-Business
Gift shipments from a business in Canada to a business in Botswana
will incur duty without exception.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
If a business in Canada ships a gift to an individual in Botswana, it
will have duty applied to it regardless of its value.
Gift Checklist
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
- The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the
commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time (see sample)
- List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
- Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one
individually.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
Seretse Khama
No. 20915 Block 3
Block 8 Phiriatsena
Gaborone
Botswana
Phone:
+267 390 9055 |
Carrier tracking number:
736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker:
UPS
Date:
28 May 2023 |
| QTY |
Description of Goods |
C/O |
SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each |
Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
|
CA |
$79.99 |
Terms of Sale:
None
Total number of packages:
1
Reason for export:
Gifts
Contact Name:
James Smith
|
Total Invoice Amount:
$79.99
Total Weight:
10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
|
Multiple Gifts in One Shipment
If your shipment contains several gifts, be sure to wrap and tag each
one separately.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
Seretse Khama
No. 20915 Block 3
Block 8 Phiriatsena
Gaborone
Botswana
Phone:
+267 390 9055 |
Carrier tracking number:
736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker:
UPS
Date:
28 May 2023 |
| QTY |
Description of Goods |
C/O |
SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each |
Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
|
CA |
$39.99 |
| 1 Each |
Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket
|
CA |
$49.99 |
Terms of Sale:
None
Total number of packages:
1
Reason for export:
Gifts
Contact Name:
James Smith
|
Total Invoice Amount:
$89.98
Total Weight:
10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
|
Sources:
https://www.Botswanatradeportal.org.bw/kcfinder/upload/files/Schedule%20No%204.pdf
Shipping Personal Effects
If you are shipping unaccompanied personal effects to Botswana, it is
recommended that you use the services of a registered Botswana customs
broker. A list of customs brokers can be found
here.
Moving Temporarily
Students
There is no information at this time regarding the importation of a
student's personal effects when moving temporarily to Botswana to
study.
Non-Students
Non-students moving temporarily to Botswana may ship their
unaccompanied personal effects exempt from duty charges.
Exemption of duty is granted for personal effects whether they are
used or new and if:
- They are for the use of the persona and his or her family
- They have been outside of Botswana for a minimum of 6 months
- They will not be sold or given away for at least 6 months after
entry to Botswana
- Do not include tobacco products or alcoholic beverages
Examples of goods allowed duty-free entry include:
- Sporting and recreational equipment
- Equipment and tools needed for a person's trade or profession
- Clothing and footwear
- Furniture and other items required for a household
Moving Permanently
Batswana residents returning to live permanently in Botswana may ship
their personal effects exempt from duty and taxes.
The exemption is conditional on:
- The personal effects being owned by the resident
- The resident having lived outside of Botswana for 6 or more months
- The goods being for the use of the individual and his or her family
- The items are not sold or given away for at least 6 months after
arrival in Botswana
- No alcoholic beverages or tobacco products in the shipment
Exemption is provided on goods such as:
- Furniture
- Household items such as kitchen implements
- Tools and equipment used for a person's profession or trade
- Personal property such as footwear and clothing
- Recreational and sporting equipment
Personal Effects Checklist
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Personal Effects'
- A detailed description of each item is provided
Sources:
https://www.Botswanatradeportal.org.bw/kcfinder/upload/files/Schedule%20No%204.pdf
http://www.burs.org.bw/index.php/treaties-and-legislation/legislation/revenue-laws
http://www.burs.org.bw/index.php/customsexcisemain/customs-clearance
https://botswanalaws.com/StatutesActpdf/2018actpdf/BotswanaAct2018/CUSTOMS%20ACT%20(ACT%2033,%202018).pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
Seretse Khama
No. 20915 Block 3
Block 8 Phiriatsena
Gaborone
Botswana
Phone:
+267 390 9055 |
Carrier tracking number:
736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker:
UPS
Date:
28 May 2023 |
| QTY |
Description of Goods |
C/O |
SubTotal |
|---|
| 5 Pairs |
Personal Effects: 5 pairs of various types of shoes
|
IN |
$40.00 |
| 1 Each |
Personal Effects: Arc'terix Winter Jacket
|
CA |
$478.00 |
Terms of Sale:
None
Total number of packages:
1
Reason for export:
Personal Effects
Contact Name:
James Smith
|
Total Invoice Amount:
$678.00
Total Weight:
10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
|
Food, Chocolate, Candies
Limited quantities of certain foodstuffs are allowed to be imported
into Botswana for private use.
You May Ship
- Pulses (max. 25 kg)
- Sugar (max. 12 kg)
- Tinned poultry (max. 5 kg)
Do Not Ship
- Perishable and fresh goods
- Meats of wild animals
Food, Chocolate, Candies Checklist
- Clearly indicate 'Food' on the commercial invoice in the General Description
or Remarks section (see sample)
- Ensure that your food, chocolate, or candies may be imported into the
country
- You are not shipping commercial quantities (for any duty & tax exemption)
- Check with your carrier that they will accept food shipments
Sources:
http://www.burs.org.bw/?option=com_content&view=article&id=76&Itemid=222
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
Seretse Khama
No. 20915 Block 3
Block 8 Phiriatsena
Gaborone
Botswana
Phone:
+267 390 9055 |
Carrier tracking number:
736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker:
UPS
Date:
28 May 2023 |
| QTY |
Description of Goods |
C/O |
SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Box |
Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)
|
CA |
$20.00 |
Terms of Sale:
None
Total number of packages:
1
Reason for export:
Permanent / Sold
Contact Name:
James Smith
|
Total Invoice Amount:
$20.00
Total Weight:
10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
|
Samples
Samples may be shipped from Canada to Botswana exempt from duty
providing:
- They are for the purpose of soliciting sales
- They are shipped without any charge or exchange of money
- They stay no longer than 6 months in Botswana
Also, only one sample for each type of article will be allowed entry.
Commercial Sample Checklist
- A Commercial Invoice must be included with your shipment
- Clearly indicate 'Commercial Samples' on the commercial invoice in the
General Description & Detailed Description of Goods (see sample)
- The item shipped has tearing, perforation, slashing, defacing, or has
permanent marking clearing indicating the item as commercial sample
Sources:
https://www.Botswanatradeportal.org.bw/kcfinder/upload/files/Schedule%20No%204.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
Seretse Khama
No. 20915 Block 3
Block 8 Phiriatsena
Gaborone
Botswana
Phone:
+267 390 9055 |
Carrier tracking number:
736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker:
UPS
Date:
28 May 2023 |
| QTY |
Description of Goods |
C/O |
SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Box |
Commercial Sample - Advanced reading copy of Dan Brown's novel.
|
CA |
$20.00 |
Terms of Sale:
None
Total number of packages:
1
Reason for export:
Commercial Sample
Contact Name:
James Smith
|
Total Invoice Amount:
$20.00
Total Weight:
10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
|
Advertising Material
Advertising material shipped to Botswana for display at meetings,
trade fairs, or other exhibitions may enter the country exempt from
duty charges.
Advertising Material Checklist
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for
Resale' (see sample)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
Sources:
https://www.Botswanatradeportal.org.bw/kcfinder/upload/files/Schedule%20No%204.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
Seretse Khama
No. 20915 Block 3
Block 8 Phiriatsena
Gaborone
Botswana
Phone:
+267 390 9055 |
Carrier tracking number:
736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker:
UPS
Date:
28 May 2023 |
| QTY |
Description of Goods |
C/O |
SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each |
Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
|
CA |
$163.00 |
Terms of Sale:
None
Total number of packages:
1
Reason for export:
Promotional Material
Contact Name:
James Smith
|
Total Invoice Amount:
$163.00
Total Weight:
10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
|
Repairs
Equipment repaired in Canada under a warranty may re-enter Botswana
exempt from duty and taxes providing the repairs were done without any
charge.
Items Under Warranty
If a piece of equipment is shipped to Canada for a warranty repair, it
may be returned to Botswana without incurring duty or taxes. The only
condition is that the repairs were done without charge because of a
manufacturing defect or a contractual guarantee.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
Goods no longer under warranty that have been repaired in Canada will
incur duty and taxes when they are returned to Botswana.
Sending Product for Repair to Botswana
The Republic of Botswana allows the entry of equipment for repairs
under its rules for inward processing of goods.
Returning Repaired Product to Botswana
Providing a repair done in Canada did not incur a charge, the
equipment or machinery may be returned to Botswana without duty or
taxes being imposed.
Repair Checklist
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the General
Description or Remarks, and include the estimated time of return(see sample)
- Include repair contract with shipment
- Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under
the Detailed Description of Goods section
- Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the
item was first exported to Botswana or exported to Canada (depending on
which case applies)
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Sources:
https://botswanalaws.com/StatutesActpdf/2018actpdf/BotswanaAct2018/CUSTOMS%20ACT%20(ACT%2033,%202018).pdf
https://www.Botswanatradeportal.org.bw/kcfinder/upload/files/Schedule%20No%204.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
Seretse Khama
No. 20915 Block 3
Block 8 Phiriatsena
Gaborone
Botswana
Phone:
+267 390 9055 |
Carrier tracking number:
736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker:
UPS
Date:
28 May 2023 |
| QTY |
Description of Goods |
C/O |
SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each |
Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
|
US |
$163.00 |
Terms of Sale:
None
Total number of packages:
1
Reason for export:
Warranty Repair
Contact Name:
James Smith
|
Total Invoice Amount:
$163.00
Total Weight:
10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
|
Temporary Imports
Goods shipped to Botswana as a temporary import may require a
guarantee in the amount of the duty and taxes that would be owed on
them. One way to avoid this is to use an ATA Carnet (see below for
details).
The time limit a temporary import may be allowed to remain in Botswana
is variable but cannot be any longer than 12 months.
Goods allowed temporary import include:
- Tourist advertising material
- Equipment required for a sporting event or other similar purposes
- Items and goods destined for display at a meeting, trade fair,
exhibition, or other comparable events
- Equipment and goods of a professional nature or required for a
commercial operation
Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import
In order to import your goods duty and tax free into Botswana, you can
pick from Option 1 or 2 of the Temporary Import Methods listed below.
Each option has its pros and cons. Regardless, each of the following
methods requires you to complete a commercial invoice (CI). More
details below.
| Option # |
Temporary Import Method |
Risk of paying |
|---|
| 1 |
Commercial Invoice Only (no other documentation is provided) |
High - if broker cannot clear goods temporarily |
| 2 |
Commercial Invoice + ATA Carnet |
Very Low |
|
1. Complete a Commercial Invoice (CI) only
This is the simplest and quickest option.
See example.
NOTE: You should be aware that shipping using this
method doesn't guarantee that your items will be imported duty/tax
free. Not all brokers will clear goods as temporary imports (i.e. UPS,
Fedex, DHL) nor is it a guarantee that customs won't charge any duties
and taxes.
2. Commercial Invoice (CI) + an ATA Carnet
Completing an ATA Carnet is great option for items that frequently travel
in and out of the country. It's also great because once you have an ATA
Carnet, it is accepted by 176 countries worldwide making the application
process a one-time thing.
In addition to declaring your commercial invoice as a temporary
import, you can get an ATA Carnet for the items that are of temporary
nature.
ATA Carnets are beyond the scope of the article however, you can find
more information here: http://www.chamber.ca/carnet/
NOTE: It is highly recommended to get an ATA Carnet
for items that frequently travel in and out of the country and
especially so when it is valued over $2,500 USD
|
In addition to the 2 options above, the following criteria must also be met in order to qualify for a duty and VAT free exemption:
- The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo
no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
- Stay no longer than 12 months in Botswana
NOTE:
- If the above conditions are not followed, duties and taxes will be
charged as though the goods have been imported permanently.
- Your Customs broker can clear goods of a temporary nature (FedEx,
UPS, DHL, etc. typically CANNOT clear goods
of temporary nature)
Temporary Imports Checklist
- Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written
in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods. (see sample)
- The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no
repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
- Stay no longer than the period listed above
- Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
- Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received
within the country (whichever applies)
- Any above listed items not listed in this checklist
Sources:
https://botswanalaws.com/StatutesActpdf/2018actpdf/BotswanaAct2018/CUSTOMS%20ACT%20(ACT%2033,%202018).pdf
http://www.burs.org.bw/index.php/treaties-and-legislation/legislation/revenue-laws
Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
Seretse Khama
No. 20915 Block 3
Block 8 Phiriatsena
Gaborone
Botswana
Phone:
+267 390 9055 |
Carrier tracking number:
736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker:
UPS
Date:
28 May 2023 |
| QTY |
Description of Goods |
C/O |
SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 box |
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment
|
CA |
$1032.00 |
Terms of Sale:
None
Total number of packages:
1
Reason for export:
Temporary Imports
Contact Name:
James Smith
|
Total Invoice Amount:
$1032.00
Total Weight:
10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
|
Permanent/Sold Goods
All sold goods entering Botswana from Canada require an import permit
and will incur duty and VAT regardless of their value. There are no
threshold or de minimis values.
Occasional Shipper
Even if you only occasionally ship sold goods to Botswana, duty and
taxes will be charged on all imports no matter their value.
Regular shipper
If you are regularly shipping sold goods to Botswana, we recommend the
use of a licenced customs broker. A list of brokers can be found here.
Sources:
http://www.burs.org.bw/images/img/BURS%20Traders%20List%20updated.xlsx
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
Seretse Khama
No. 20915 Block 3
Block 8 Phiriatsena
Gaborone
Botswana
Phone:
+267 390 9055 |
Carrier tracking number:
736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker:
UPS
Date:
28 May 2023 |
| QTY |
Description of Goods |
C/O |
SubTotal |
|---|
| 15 Each |
Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
|
CA |
$132.00 |
Terms of Sale:
None
Total number of packages:
1
Reason for export:
Permanent/Sold
Contact Name:
James Smith
|
Total Invoice Amount:
$1980.00
Total Weight:
10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
|
Duty &
Taxes
Botswana customs authorities calculate the duty and taxes owed on an
import using the CIF value of a shipment, i.e. the sum of the customs
value plus insurance costs + freight expenses.
By calculating the CIF value of your shipment you will be able to
predict the amount of duty and taxes owed by the recipient.
Thresholds
There are no threshold or de minimis values on shipments to Botswana.
All imports will incur VAT and duty regardless of the value of the
shipment.
| Currency |
Botswana Pula (BWP) |
| Duty Exemption (De minimis Value) |
N/A |
| Duty Calculation Method |
CIF |
| TAX (VAT) |
12% |
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value) |
N/A |
| Tax Calculation Method |
CIF |
|
|
Duties on Imports
Excise Taxes
Imports of certain products into Botswana will incur excise taxes.
These include alcoholic beverages and tobacco products.
Details can be found
here.
- Candy37%
- Chocolate20%
- Spirits and WinesVariable*
- TobaccoVariable*
- Books0%
- Documents0%
- Video Games & Consoles0%
- Computers & Laptops0%
- Tablets0%
- Mobiles0%
- Cameras0%
- Accessories for Electronics0%
- Coats40% - 45%
- Beauty Products & Cosmetics20%
- Jewellery20%
- Shirts & Pants40% - 45%
- Home Appliances0%0 - 25%
- Toys20%
- Sports Equipment0%
*Alcoholic beverages duties range from R10.53/L - R161.47/L (about $1
- $14 CAD)
*Tobacco products duties range up to R3 012.17/kg (about $260 CAD)
Sources:
http://www.burs.org.bw/?option=com_content&view=article&id=58&Itemid=213
http://www.burs.org.bw/?option=com_content&view=article&id=68&Itemid=196
https://www.macmap.org/
https://www.Botswanatradeportal.org.bw/kcfinder/upload/files/Schedule%20No%201%20Part%202A.pdf
Questions
about Shipping to Botswana
Can I ship to Botswana?
Shipping to Botswana from Canada can take between 3-5 business days
through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform. More
economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 1-2
months to complete the delivery.
Find out
how fast the Secureship trusted carriers can get your shipment
delivered to Botswana by getting a quote now.
Does UPS ship to Botswana?
TODO ......................
How long does it take to ship from Canada to Botswana?
TODO ......................
How much is it to send a parcel to Botswana?
TODO ......................
What is the cheapest way to ship from Canada to Botswana?
TODO ......................
How do I send a package to Botswana?
TODO ......................
How can I ship my luggage?
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How do I get a FedEx shipping estimate / FedEx quote to Botswana?
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How do I ship gifts to Botswana?
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