IT Equipment Procedures when Importing into Ethiopia

Ethiopia is a leading importer of electrical equipment, with most of its imports coming from China, India, and Japan.

If you plan to expand your IT equipment imports into Ethiopia, you must navigate various procedures before your goods can enter the market.

This guideline discusses IT equipment import procedures when shipping into Ethiopia and why an importer of record is essential.

Import Procedures for IT Equipment in Ethiopia

Here are the various procedures to comply with when importing machinery equipment into Ethiopia:

1. Pre-shipment Procedures

Pre-shipment Verification of Conformity (PVOC) Programme: A program managed by Ethiopian Conformity Assessment Enterprise(ECAE).
It requires regulated goods, including electrical and electronic equipment, to be tested for compliance with Ethiopian standards in the country of origin

Certificate of Conformity (CoC): Upon a successful conformity assessment, a CoC is issued to demonstrate compliance.

Required documents for CoC: Request for certification, proforma invoice/final invoice, test reports from an accredited ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory, product marking/label templates.

2. Customs Procedures

Goods declaration: Can be made by bodily action, orally, in writing, or electronically.
Documentation: Written or electronic goods declaration requires the original copies of invoice, transportation document, packing list, bank permit, certificate of origin, and relevant permits.
Import duties and taxes: Import duties for laptops are 15% while for switches and servers 5%. Additionally, most imported goods (except those subject to free trade agreements) are charged a standard VAT of 15%.
Clearance of equipment: Customs authorities may examine your equipment for safety compliance and the declarant (IOR) should be present during the examination.

Import with an IOR

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The Need for an Importer of Record in Ethiopia

Partnering with an IOR offers various benefits over direct shipment when importing IT equipment.

Here are the three main advantages of an Ethiopian Importer of record:

Legal representation: A locally registered IOR files a goods declaration on your behalf and represents you in Ethiopia to ensure compliance with all customs procedures and local regulations.
Customs clearance: The IOR obtains necessary licences and permits, fulfills all administrative paperwork, settles applicable duties, tariffs, and taxes, and handles any issues that may arise from your shipment.
Last mile delivery: The IOR organises the transportation of your equipment to the final destination, ensuring safety, convenience, and cost-efficiency.

Import into Ethiopia with Blackthorne IOR

If you are looking for a blend of experience, expertise, and cost-efficiency for IT equipment importation, Blackthorne IOR is your solution.

You can always count on us for all your tech equipment import and export transactions, regardless of the import destination.

Ethiopia