Thousands of small business owners and online shoppers frequenting platforms like SHEIN, Alibaba, and Temu can dodge crippling, unexpected import fees simply by understanding how customs duties are calculated before placing orders, the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) has advised. To combat widespread confusion among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and “Order With Me” operators, the national tax authority has launched its Every Order Counts – Let’s Process It! education campaign.
The initiative aims to guide first-time importers through complex international Harmonised System (HS) codes, helping them avoid costly financial surprises when international parcels arrive at Namibian border posts.
NamRA said one of the most common mistakes importers make is submitting invoices that only show the total value of an order.
“The different items in an order are classified differently and, therefore, different rates of duties will apply. The invoice you provide to Customs should be itemised, indicating the different items and their individual prices. This enables Customs to determine the correct duties and taxes,” NamRa said.
He explained that clothing, shoes, sunglasses, caps, hair accessories and water bottles do not all attract the same customs duties because they fall under different Harmonised System (HS) codes.
For that reason, an order worth N$2 500 should not appear on an invoice as one total amount. Instead, list each product separately with its price so Customs can calculate the correct duties and taxes.
NamRa used women’s shoes as an example. Women’s shoes classified under HS Code 6402 (rubber or plastic footwear) with a customs value of N$1 000 attract 30% customs duty, amounting to N$300. A further 16.5% value-added tax (VAT) of N$165 is charged, bringing the total amount payable to N$465.
NamRa said understanding these costs before placing an order helps businesses prepare for their expenses and avoid surprises when goods arrive.
Importers can also apply for an advance ruling before their goods are shipped.
An advance ruling gives businesses certainty on the tariff classification, customs value, or origin of their goods before they reach Namibia. This helps importers estimate the duties they may have to pay and plan their selling prices in advance.
Applicants must submit a written application together with supporting documents such as invoices, catalogues or technical specifications where necessary.
NamRA has also reminded travellers returning to Namibia that they may qualify for a duty-free allowance of up to N$5 000 on goods bought for personal use, provided they meet the conditions of the travellers’ rebate. Travellers should keep their purchase receipts and declare goods to Customs where required.
According to the World Customs Organisation, the Harmonised System is used by more than 200 countries and economies, making it the international standard for classifying traded goods.
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