Do I need a licence to import into Zambia?

It depends on the product. General goods clear Zambia customs without a sector licence, but regulated sectors (pharmaceuticals, telecom/radio equipment) require a specific permit, registration or licence from the regulator named on this page.

How do I check an importer in Zambia is allowed to bring in my product?

Ask the buyer for the import permit or product-registration number for the sector, then confirm it with the named regulator. A genuine importer of regulated goods already holds one; a buyer who cannot produce it may not clear customs.

Is importing a specific product into Zambia ever banned?

Most sectors are permitted with the right licence or registration. Always confirm the current rule with the named regulator before shipping.

🇿🇲How to import into Zambia

To import into Zambia, most goods clear customs freely, but specific sectors need a permit, product registration or import licence from a named regulator before the shipment lands. A legitimate importer of those goods holds the current document, ask for it and check it at the source.

Sector import rules

These sectors carry their own import requirement in Zambia. For each, a legitimate importer holds the document named below, issued by the named regulator. Ask for it, then verify it at the source.

pharmaceuticalsRegistration required
product registration from the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA).
Importer must register the medicine and obtain a pharmaceutical import permit from ZAMRA.
Official source
telecom/radio equipmentImport permit required
conformity certificate from the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA).
Importer must submit technical specifications to ZICTA to obtain a Type Approval certificate.
Official source

This is a factual pointer to public rules, not legal advice, and the list is not exhaustive.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a licence to import into Zambia?: It depends on the product. General goods clear Zambia customs without a sector licence, but regulated sectors (pharmaceuticals, telecom/radio equipment) require a specific permit, registration or licence from the regulator named on this page.
How do I check an importer in Zambia is allowed to bring in my product?: Ask the buyer for the import permit or product-registration number for the sector, then confirm it with the named regulator. A genuine importer of regulated goods already holds one; a buyer who cannot produce it may not clear customs.
Is importing a specific product into Zambia ever banned?: Most sectors are permitted with the right licence or registration. Always confirm the current rule with the named regulator before shipping.

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Manufacturers and wholesalers based in Zambia, with the open-record facts we hold on each and a link to the free public source behind them.

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Importing for the first time? Read the first-time importer sequence (country choice, maker checks, landed cost, a survivable first order). Sourcing from a specific country? Get the lane answer, sanctions, tariffs and VAT in one place: can Zambia buy from that country?