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
Zambian customs authorities allow the following items entry into the
country as document shipments:
- Annual reports
- Bids and proposals
- Books
- Computer print-outs
- Diplomas
- Drawings
- Driver's licence
- Examination papers
- Intercompany mail
- Negotiable bonds, drafts, and cash letters
- Pamphlets
- Specifications sheets
- Traveller's cheques
- Visa applications
If the following items abide by the restriction shown, they will be
allowed to enter Zambia as a document shipment:
| Item | Restriction |
|---|
| Cheques | Provided they are company-to-company, payroll, or personal
purposes |
| Newsletters | Only if they are for use within the company |
| Newspapers, periodicals, and other publications | The recipient must be a subscriber |
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
Shipping Gifts
A gift shipment from a private individual in Canada will be allowed
entry into Zambia exempt from duties* if:
- It has been sent to a private person in Zambia
- The contents are for the use of the recipient and/or his or her
family
- The items are not sold or put to use in a commercial or industrial
manner
- The value of the shipment is no more than $1,000 USD (about $1,250
CAD)
*Does not apply to tobacco products and alcoholic beverages - they are
taxable and dutiable.
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
An individual in Canada may ship a gift to an individual in Zambia
without incurring duty fees provided:
- The shipment's value is $1,000 or less (about $1,250 CAD)
- The gift is for the use of the recipient only, or his or her family
- The gift is not for sale and will not be used for industrial or
commercial purposes
- The parcel does NOT contain tobacco products or alcoholic beverages
(they will incur duties and taxes)
Shipments from Business-to-Business
A gift shipment from a business in Canada to a business in Zambia will
incur duties and VAT regardless of the value of the parcel.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
If a business in Canada sends a gift shipment to an individual in
Zambia, it will be liable to duty and VAT charges even if it has
little 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 |
|---|
Henry Tayali
Lion Lane Street
Lusaka 10100
Zambia
Phone: +260 95 525 4440 | 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 parcel contains multiple gifts, be sure to wrap and tag each
one separately.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Henry Tayali
Lion Lane Street
Lusaka 10100
Zambia
Phone: +260 95 525 4440 | 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://cupdf.com/document/statutory-instrument-no-dar-cap-322-customs-and-excise-subsidiary-customs.html?page=36
https://www.zra.org.zm/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/VAT-Liability-Guide-2020-1.pdf
Shipping Personal Effects
Personal effects and household goods may be shipped to Zambia from
Canada exempt from duty fees provided:
- The claimant owned the goods before leaving Canada for Zambia
- The claimant has lived outside of Zambia for a minimum of 5 years
- The shipment arrives in Zambia at the same time as the claimant
(unless there were circumstances beyond the claimant's control that
caused its delay)
Moving Temporarily
Students
No information is available at this time concerning students moving
temporarily to Zambia with their personal effects.
Non-students
There is no information available regarding non-students moving
temporarily to Zambia and shipping their personal effects.
Moving Permanently
Persons moving to Zambia permanently - either returning Zambian
citizens or Canadians coming to work - will be allowed a duty-free
entry of their household goods and personal effects.
Duty-free entry of belongings is conditional upon:
- The shipment arriving in Zambia with the claimant (unless it can be
shown that the goods were delayed due to extenuating circumstances)
- The goods were owned by the claimant in Canada before he or she
entered Zambia
- The owner of the goods has NOT lived in Zambia for at least 5 years
before returning or entering the country
Personal Effects Checklist
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Personal Effects' (see sample)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
- A certificate confirming a minimum of a 5-year residence outside of
Zambia
- Written confirmation that the goods were owned by the shipper before
entering Zambia
Sources:
https://www.parliament.gov.zm/sites/default/files/documents/acts/Customs%20and%20Excise%20Act.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Henry Tayali
Lion Lane Street
Lusaka 10100
Zambia
Phone: +260 95 525 4440 | 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
Foodstuffs entering Zambia will incur duties and taxes, which the
recipient will be liable for; the shipper cannot pay those fees.
You May Ship
Do Not Ship
- Perishables - produce and meat products
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:
https://www.fedex.com/en-us/ancillary-clearance-service.html
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Henry Tayali
Lion Lane Street
Lusaka 10100
Zambia
Phone: +260 95 525 4440 | 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
Commercial samples shipped to Zambia may enter the country duty-free
provided:
- They have no monetary value
- Stay in Zambia a maximum of 12 months
Samples are sent to a country to solicit sales and promote products;
they are not meant to be sold or be given away to local citizens.
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.zra.org.zm/importation-of-goods/
https://cupdf.com/document/statutory-instrument-no-dar-cap-322-customs-and-excise-subsidiary-customs.html?page=40
Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Henry Tayali
Lion Lane Street
Lusaka 10100
Zambia
Phone: +260 95 525 4440 | 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
Goods and materials shipped to Zambia to advertise or for display at
exhibitions may enter the country exempt from duty and VAT.
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://cupdf.com/document/statutory-instrument-no-dar-cap-322-customs-and-excise-subsidiary-customs.html?page=36
https://www.zra.org.zm/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/VAT-Liability-Guide-2020-1.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Henry Tayali
Lion Lane Street
Lusaka 10100
Zambia
Phone: +260 95 525 4440 | 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 and machinery repaired in Canada will incur duty fees when
they are returned to Zambia.
Items Under Warranty
Items from Zambia that are repaired under warranty in Canada will be
exempt from Canadian duties and GST; however, they will incur Zambian
duties when they re-enter the country.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
Equipment and machinery from Zambia that are repaired in Canada will
be liable to duty charges and GST on the cost of the repair and any
parts used during the repair process. And they will be liable to
duties when they return to Zambia.
Sending Product for Repair to Zambia
There is no information at this time concerning shipping equipment to
Zambia for repairs.
Returning Repaired Product to Zambia
Products repaired in Canada will be liable to duty charges when they
re-enter Zambia.
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 Zambia or exported to Canada (depending on
which case applies)
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Sources:
https://cupdf.com/document/statutory-instrument-no-dar-cap-322-customs-and-excise-subsidiary-customs.html?page=36
https://www.zra.org.zm/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/VAT-Liability-Guide-2020-1.pdf
https://www.parliament.gov.zm/sites/default/files/documents/acts/Customs%20and%20Excise%20Act.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Henry Tayali
Lion Lane Street
Lusaka 10100
Zambia
Phone: +260 95 525 4440 | 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 imported for a temporary period may enter Zambia duty and tax
free provided they remain in the country no longer than 12 months.
Goods eligible for temporary importation include those destined for
display at:
- Meetings
- Trade fairs
- International exhibitions
ATA Carnets
Zambian customs authorities do not accept ATA Carnets for the
temporary importation of goods.
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://www.atacarnet.com/carnet-countries
https://cupdf.com/document/statutory-instrument-no-dar-cap-322-customs-and-excise-subsidiary-customs.html?page=35
https://www.zra.org.zm/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/VAT-Liability-Guide-2020-1.pdf
https://www.zra.org.zm/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Clearance-of-goods.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Henry Tayali
Lion Lane Street
Lusaka 10100
Zambia
Phone: +260 95 525 4440 | 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
Sold goods with a small value ($50 USD or less - about $60 CAD) may
enter Zambia exempt from duty and VAT.
Occasional Shipper
If you ship sold goods only occasionally to Zambia from Canada, for
example through eBay, the shipment will incur duties and taxes unless
its value is not more than $50 USD (about $60 CAD).
Regular shipper
Canadian businesses that regularly ship sold goods to Zambia are
encouraged to use the services of a licenced Zambian customs broker.
Sources:
https://www.zra.org.zm/importation-of-goods/
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Henry Tayali
Lion Lane Street
Lusaka 10100
Zambia
Phone: +260 95 525 4440 | 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 |
Zambia Shipping Insurance
You can purchase insurance
through Secureship, and it is provided by the carrier that will be transporting
your shipment.
Each carrier will charge a different amount per $100 of declared
insurance. If you indicate that you need insurance for your shipment, our
system will automatically include the insurance costs for your shipment.
Insurance is great to have in case your package is accidentally lost or
damaged by the carrier. But be careful, not everything you ship is
insurable. Worse - even if your package contains items that are insurable,
if it doesn't meet the ISTA 3A packaging standard, the insurance purchased
through the carrier would not be available to you.
Here are some items that cannot be insured by the carrier:
- Personal belongings
- Antiques
- Artwork
- Liquids (including alcohol)
- Televisions
- Jewellery in excess of $500
- Perishable goods
- Glass or Ceramic
- And many more items
For more information, please see the carrier's terms and conditions.
Questions
about Shipping to Zambia
Can I ship to Zambia?
Shipping to Zambia 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 Zambia by getting a quote now.
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