Export Permits in Zambia: What You Need Before Goods Leave

Exporting is one of the best ways for a Zambian business to earn foreign currency, but goods only leave the country when the paperwork is right. Depending on what you export, you may need a permit from the responsible ministry, certificates from specialist agencies, tax clearances from ZRA - and, for every commercial consignment, a customs entry that has been pre-cleared before the truck arrives at the border.

Here is how it fits together.

Step one: does your product need an export permit?

Not every product needs a separate export permit, but many controlled goods do. The permit comes from the ministry or agency responsible for that product. Common examples include:

• Minerals, ores and mineral products - a mineral export permit from the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development.
• Agricultural products - crops and plant products may need permits or plant health certificates from the agriculture authorities, and some crops can face export restrictions from time to time.
• Other controlled goods - such as timber, live animals or wildlife products, each regulated by its own authority.

If you are not sure whether your product is controlled, check before you sign a sales contract. A buyer abroad will not wait while you discover the requirement at the border.

Exporting minerals: how the permit works

The mineral export permit is issued by the Director of Mines to a person or company that intends to export minerals, ores or mineral products. The government's trade portal sets out the process:

1. Submit a sample with the mineral analysis and valuation form and the export permit application.
2. The Geological Survey Department analyses the sample and issues a Mineral Analysis Certificate and a Valuation Certificate.
3. ZRA checks that the relevant taxes and royalties have been paid and issues a mineral royalty clearance.
4. You pay the application fee, and the Director of Mines prepares the export permit for collection.

The trade portal lists a fee of K525 for the analysis and valuation certificate and K225 for the application, but check current fees before you apply. You will also need proof of your mining licence, mineral trading permit or processing licence, and a police security clearance. The exporter must be a registered holder of a mining licence, mineral trading permit or gemstone sale permit with a legal source of minerals, and royalties and duties must be paid within two weeks of exporting.

Step two: pre-clear the export with ZRA

Since May 2024, ZRA has required pre-clearance for all commercial imports and exports. Exporters, or their clearing agents, must lodge the bill of entry on the ASYCUDA World system at least five days before the goods reach the border. Trucks are not allowed into the customs area without proof that the consignment has been pre-cleared.

A consignment that arrives without a customs declaration faces a penalty, and false declarations can lead to the goods being seized. Pre-clearance means that at the border, customs only needs to verify the goods.

Step three: documents that travel with the goods

Have these ready and consistent with each other:

• Commercial invoice and packing list.
• The export permit or product certificates, where required.
• The pre-cleared bill of entry.
• Transport documents, and a certificate of origin if your buyer wants to claim regional trade preferences.

Mismatched quantities or descriptions between documents are a common cause of delays.

How Rayema Enterprise helps

Our Clearing & Forwarding team handles exports end to end, and works with our Mining Support team on mineral exports:

• Confirming which permits and certificates your product needs.
• Preparing and following up export permit applications.
• Lodging and pre-clearing your bill of entry on ASYCUDA World.
• Checking every document matches before the truck leaves.
• Coordinating freight to the border and beyond.

Frequently asked questions

Do all exports need an export permit?

No. Controlled products such as minerals, many agricultural goods and wildlife products need permits or certificates from their regulating authority. All commercial exports, however, must be declared and pre-cleared with ZRA.

How early must I pre-clear my export?

ZRA requires the bill of entry to be processed on ASYCUDA World at least five days before the goods reach the border.

Who issues the mineral export permit?

The Director of Mines at the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, after the Geological Survey Department analyses the minerals and ZRA confirms taxes and royalties are paid.

Can I export minerals without a mining licence?

You must hold a mining licence, a mineral trading permit or a gemstone sale permit, and show a legal source for the minerals.

Can you handle the whole process for me?

Yes. We can prepare the permit applications, pre-clear the export and coordinate transport, so you deal with one team.

Exporting soon? Request a quote or WhatsApp us on +260 770 578 280.