Zambia Import Procedure

Total Steps: 13
Documents (Approx): 19
Bodies / Agencies:
  • Zambia Electronic Single Window
  • Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA)
  • Zambia Agricultural Research Institute – PQPS (ZARI)
  • Seed Control & Certification Institute (SCCI)

  1. Import Procedure

  2. Obtain Seed Importer’s License

    Body in charge: Seed Control and Certification Institute (SCCI)
    Documents: Valid Seed Seller’s License
    Cost: ZMK 210 annually | Time: 1–2 days

  3. Register on Zambia Single Window System

    Body in charge: Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA)
    Documents: Account email, Company name, TPIN, Application form
    Cost: Nil | Time: 10–15 minutes

  4. Submit Notice to Import

    Body in charge: SCCI
    Documents: Notice to import application form
    Cost: ZMK 75 (per variety, <30 tonnes) | Time: 1–2 days

  5. Apply for Plant Import Permit (PiP)

    Body in charge: ZARI – PQPS
    Documents: Notice to import form
    Cost: ZMK 50 | Time: 1–2 days (2–4 weeks for pest risk assessment)

  6. Apply for an Import Permit

    Body in charge: Ministry of Agriculture (Agribusiness Dept.)
    Documents: PiP, Notice to import, Seed importer’s license
    Cost: ZMK 52.50 | Time: 1–2 days

  7. Forward Import Permit to Country of Origin

    Body in charge: Exporting Country Authority
    Documents: N/A
    Cost: TBD | Time: 1 day

  8. Obtain OECD Label & Certificate of Origin

    Body in charge: SCCI or COMESA
    Documents: N/A
    Cost: Nil | Time: 1 day

  9. Contract a Clearing Agent

    Body in charge: ZRA (licensed clearing agents)
    Documents: N/A
    Cost: Based on agency fees | Time: Dependent on agency

  10. Scan Pre-Clearance Documents

    Body in charge: Importing Company
    Documents: Import Permit, Export Permit, Certificate of Origin (SADC/COMESA), Packing List, Invoice, Delivery Note, Fumigation Certificate, Phytosanitary Certificate, Plant Import Permit, Non-GMO Certificate, ISTA Certificate
    Cost: Nil | Time: Dependent on importer

  11. Register the Consignment

    Body in charge: ZRA
    Documents: Same as pre-clearance docs
    Cost: Nil | Time: Within 24–48 hours

  12. ZRA Shipment Inspection & Fee Assessment

    Body in charge: ZRA
    Documents: N/A
    Cost: Based on consignment | Time: Variable

  13. Obtain Port Health Clearance

    Body in charge: Ministry of Agriculture
    Documents: Fumigation Certificate, Phytosanitary Certificate, Plant Import Permit, ISTA Certificate
    Cost: Nil | Time: 5–30 minutes

  14. Physical Release of Consignment

    Body in charge: ZRA
    Documents: Release order stamped
    Cost: Nil | Time: 1 day