Taxation

Shipping to Zambia requires careful attention to local customs regulations, taxation, and shipping requirements. This guide provides everything you need for successful and compliant international shipping.

Taxation & Import Duties

Shipping costs and taxes to Zambia are determined by the item’s category, declared value, and the chosen shipping method.

Key Taxation Details

  • VAT/GST Rate: 16%
  • Tax Threshold: $0 USD (All shipments are subject to taxes)
  • Duty Threshold: $100 USD
  • Calculation Method: CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight)
    • CIF: Taxes are calculated on customs value + shipping cost + insurance.
    • FOB: Taxes are based solely on the customs value of the goods.

Import Duties by Category

  • Electronics: Mobiles, Tablets, Laptops – 20%
  • Fashion & Watches: 20%
  • Jewelry: 6%
  • Books & Collectibles: 1%
  • Gaming Consoles: 6%
  • Dry Food & Supplements: 14%
  • Pet Accessories: 12%
  • Health & Beauty Products: 20%
  • Home & Appliances: 20%
  • Toys: 20%
  • Sports Equipment: 20%
  • Luggage: 20%
  • Audio Video Equipment: 20%
  • Documents: 0%

Restrictions

The list of restricted items changes frequently, so it’s always best to check the official customs page prior to sending your goods.


Restricted Items

Certain goods require special conditions or permissions for import:

  • Fresh food

 

  • Plants and seeds

 

  • Chemicals

 

Prohibited Items

The following items are banned from import into Zambia:

  • Drugs and firearms

 

  • Explosives and ammunition

 

  • Alcohol and tobacco

 

  • Money and counterfeit goods

 

  • Animals

 

Pro Tip: Stay updated by checking Zambia’s official customs website before shipping. Compliance with local customs regulations is crucial to avoid delays or penalties.

Shipping Documents

Shipping to Zambia involves generating accurate documentation to ensure smooth customs clearance.

Key Documents Include:

  • Commercial Invoice: Details about the shipment and value.
  • Battery Statement: Required for items containing batteries.
  • Tax Documents & Shipping Labels: Automatically generated through Easyship.

 

With the right documents in place, your shipments will move seamlessly through customs.

Additional Information

Remote Delivery Areas

Shipments to rural or remote areas in Zambia may incur additional courier surcharges due to higher operational costs.

Non-Working Days & Public Holidays

Shipments may experience delays on:

 

Plan accordingly to avoid unexpected delays.

Enhance Efficiency with Blind Shipping

Blind shipping is an ideal solution for businesses looking to optimize confidentiality and efficiency:

  • Deliver products directly to customers without disclosing your supplier’s identity.
  • Minimize handling delays for faster deliveries.
  • Learn more about Blind Shipping Solutions.

Ready to Ship to Zambia?

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