The basis for calculating Zambian customs duty is cost, insurance, and freight (CIF). There are three types of import duties: customs duty, import excise, and import VAT. According to World Integrated Trade Solution (WITS), the Effectively Applied Tariff Weighted Average (customs duty) for Zambia is 3.39%.The Most Favoured Nation (MFN) Weighted Average tariff is 7.44%.Commercial documents such as a bill of lading, air waybill, and commercial invoice are required to clear goods with customs. CE 20 is the standard form for entry and exit.The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) uses the Asycuda system for paperless customs clearance and domestic tax processes.Certification Meat (certification available from the Veterinary Depa r t ment) Plants and seeds and fruits (phytosanitary certification from Mount Makulu Research Station) Food and drugs (Ministry of Health and Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority) Firearms and ammunition (Zambia Police) Gemstones and scrap metal export (Ministry of Mines)Prohibited products Narcotics Pornography (consider the term as used under the Islamic law) Counterfeit items Cultural artefacts and other objects of cultural importance Henna Palm tree and any products thereof Explosive materialRestricted imports Live animals – health certificate required along with complete and valid inoculations. Contact nearest embassy to obtain permission. Endangered species and any products or parts thereof as outlined by CITES maybe be brought in only with CITES permission Medication Hunting weapons permissible only with authorisation obtainable from Ministry of Interior. Contact nearest embassy for more informationZambian Customs contact information:Customs Services Nchanga HouseP.O Box 20454KitweTe l: +2 6 022 75 4 4Website: http://www.zra.org.zm/Plans afoot for upgrades to Nacala rail line Nacala Logistics, which is responsible for the non-coal commercialisation of the Nacala railway line, is keen on linking through to Zambia at Chipata. Chief operating officer Guilherme Gazabim told an online conference that upgrades to the rail link from the Copperbelt to the border with Mozambique were still being planned.The Zambian government, with support from a Chinese construction company, has proposed the construction of a 390-km rail link between Chipata and Serenje on the Tazara line in order to access the CopperbeltIn January it was reported that the Exim Bank of China had approved a US$2.03-bn loan for the construction of the line. Gazabim said plans for a dry port on the Mozambique/Zambia border were being delayed by red tape.What is also needed is for the governments of Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia to agree to integrate clearance and documentation to ensure that cargo f lows smooth ly.The Nacala railway line.
