Clearing Agent License Application In Namibia

Who is a Clearing Agent?

A clearing agent is essentially an agent who specifically takes care of the customs clearance aspect of the business. In many countries, clearing agents write examinations. Only after the passing of this exam, they can transact as a clearing agent in that country.

APPLICATION FOR LICENSING AS A CLEARING AGENT IN TERMS OF SECTION 73 (2) OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE ACT NO. 20 OF 1998

NOTES: Please read the requirements of Clearing Agent before completing this application form

(a) Subsidiary or associated companies, i.e. separate legal persons, are required to license separately.
(b) This application must be submitted in duplicate to the Commissioner of Customs & Excise.
(c) Applicants for renewal will be treated de novo (fresh) and should reach the Controller concerned not later than thirty days prior to the expiry of the existing license.
(d) This licence shall be valid until 31 December each year.
(e) Failure to renew on time will result in suspension and penalty
(f) Refusal of application for new licenses can be done by the Commissioner based on the requirements on 7 & 8
(g) The applicant is required to keep records for 5 years for all transactions.

Download Application Form here

CERTIFIED COPIES TO ACCOMPANY THE APPLICATION:

(a) Attached Founding Statement issued by the registrar of companies
(b) Resolution /consent or other authority as applicable
(c) Identity/passport documents of

• Individual
• partnership, close corporation and trust (all members/partners/trustees. Company (all directors, including managing director and finance director)

(d) Certificate of good standing from Ministry of Finance and Social security
(e) Fitness certificate from municipality / regional council

REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSING AS CUSTOMS AND EXCISE CLEARING AGENT

i) Furnish such evidence as to your proficiency in matters relating to Customs and Excise.
The proof should consist of the following:

a) Proof that you have previously worked for a clearing agent firm (for two or more years) by way of a reference from that specific firm,
b) Proof that you passed proficiency test offered by customs and excise, or
c) Proof that you have previously worked for the Directorate of Customs and Excise for two or more years.

ii) Should you meet the above-requirements: provide this office with proof that you have an existing business premises (leased or owned) with facilities such as telephone, email, fax, etc.

iii) Must have HS -Harmonised Commodity Description and Coding tools. i.e. Tariff Book,
Alphabetical Indexes and Explanatory notes.

iv) Proof of work permit from Home Affairs (in case of foreign employees)
v) Foreign companies should have an office in Namibia
vi) Provide sworn affidavit for intended employees working for the company
vii)The applicant may be subjected to an interview by a committee before an approval is granted.

Note. No person with suspended or with no clearing license shall be allowed to make or deliver an entry on behalf of another person.

PLEASE BE INFORMED THAT YOUR APPLICATION WILL NOT BE PROCESSED IF THE ABOVE-MENTIONED REQUIREMENTS ARE NOT COMPLIED WITH.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much is customs duty in Namibia?

Value-added tax is payable on the taxable value of all goods sold or imported. The standard rate is 15%. Direct exports of goods and services are zero-rated. A number of other zero-ratings and exemptions are also provided for.

How long should customs clearance take in Namibia?

Customs clearance itself is actually quicker than you may first think. The UK Customs clearance process usually takes a matter of minutes or hours but it can take days or even weeks if there’s something wrong / missing, or your goods need to be inspected.

What is VAT exempt in Namibia?

Some transactions are taxed at a rate of 15% or 0% while other transactions are exempt from VAT. A taxable activity means any activity that is carried on continuously or regularly in Namibia that involves the supply of goods or services for consideration.

What can I take into Namibia?

Each person may bring into Namibia: two cartons of cigarettes; 50 cigars and 250 g tobacco; 2 ℓ wine and 1 ℓ spirits; 50 ml perfume and 250 ml eau de toilette. You may not take braai wood or mealiemeal across the border. You’re not allowed to pick up stones in Namibia and smuggle them back across the border.

How custom duty is calculated in Namibia?

Basic Customs Duty (BCD): This is the tax that is calculated on the Assessment Value of the goods that have landed at the customs border of India. It can vary between 0% to 100%. BCD depends upon the HSN code of the product and the Country of Import.

Who will issue freight certificate?

Freight Certificates are the documents, confirmed by the supplier, certifying the packaging and procedures for tax calculation for packaging. Freight Certificate is a letter sent to the vessel containing the cargo details and the charges assessed for carriage of the cargo.

What to declare at Customs Namibia?

400 cigarettes and 50 cigars and 250g of tobacco; 2 litres of wine and 1 litre of spirits or liquor; 50 ml of perfume and 250 ml of eau de toilette; Other gift articles up to a value of NAD 50,000.

How much money can you bring into Namibia?

The import and export of local currency is limited to N$50,000. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, provided sums equal to or exceeding NAD5,000 are declared on arrival. Export of foreign currency is unlimited up to the amount imported and declared.

How do you figure out duty charges in Namibia?

The Canadian dollar value is obtained by multiplying the value of the goods indicated on the commercial invoice by the exchange rate at the time of the shipping. The customs duty rate is calculated by your broker based on the HS number and various other factors (see below).

What is difference between duty and tax?

Tax is a financial obligation which is to be paid to the government compulsorily. Duty is a fee payable to the government on the manufacture and import/export of goods. Tax is charged on individuals, wealth, services and sales, whereas Duty is charged on goods.