🇧🇼 Import Customs & Duties: Botswana
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
14%
CIF value + duty. Same structure as South Africa via SACU.
Clearance Time
3-7 days express, 10-21 postal days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-15% | 85 |
| Clothing | 30-45% | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 20-30% | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | 0-25% | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-10% | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 10-20% | 33 |
| Books | 0% | 49 |
| Toys & Games | 10-20% | 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Below de minimis threshold, no duty!: $50 USD
Customs Clearance Process
Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) manages customs. SACU (Southern African Customs Union) common external tariff applies, same rates as South Africa. Electronic customs via ASYCUDA World system. Goods mostly transit through South African ports (Durban, Cape Town).
What to Actually Expect
Relatively efficient by African standards thanks to SACU infrastructure. Goods transit through South Africa, which adds transit time. Gaborone customs office reasonably organized. Express couriers work well. Low corruption compared to regional average.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
Import permits from Ministry of Trade and Industry for controlled goods. BOBS (Botswana Bureau of Standards) conformity for regulated products. Alcohol, firearms, pharmaceuticals require special permits.
Certificate of Origin
SADC certificate for regional preferential trade. SACU certificate for customs union trade. EUR.1 for EU-SADC EPA. Botswana Export Development and Investment Authority issues certificates.
Learn more →Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Duty & Tax Estimate
Estimated import charges when shipping goods to Botswana:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $0 | $0 | Free |
| $100 | $5 | $15 | $20 |
| $200 | $15 | $30 | $45 |
| $500 | $45 | $76 | $121 |
| $1000 | $95 | $153 | $248 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Botswana
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Botswana?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Botswana is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Botswana?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Botswana is 14%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. Same structure as South Africa via SACU.
How long does customs clearance take in Botswana?
Typical customs clearance in Botswana takes 3-7 days express, 10-21 postal days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Botswana?
To import into Botswana, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Botswana?
Botswana prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.