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Export and Import to Eswatini
Eswatini, a small country in Southern Africa formerly known as Swaziland, has great potential in its tech landscape. Despite its modest population, the country has strategically positioned itself as an export-oriented economy, taking advantage of various free trade agreements. Navigating tech trade into the country is, however, significantly challenging, requiring the help of TecEx as the Importer of Record.
Tax
up to 15%
Duties
up to 20%
Lead Times
7-8 weeks
Restricted Items
Second-hand goods
Best Carrier Option
Freight Forwarder
Non-Working Days
Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays
Prominent Language
siSwati and English
Trade Landscape of Eswatini
Politically, Eswatini is a monarchy with a strong central government. The government plays a significant role in regulating the technology trade, and its policies can majorly impact the sector. Socially, the country has a strong tradition of innovation and entrepreneurship. This has led to the development of a vibrant technology sector in Eswatini. Yet despite this, the country’s small size and poor financial industry make navigating trade into the country challenging.
Eswatini is part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), a regional economic community comprising 16 Member States: Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This trade bloc encourages trade between Eswatini and other African countries.
Population
1.3M
Biggest Industry by Export
Sugarcane
Capital City
Lobamba, Mbabane
Biggest Industry by Import
Refined Petroleum
Unique Pain Points for Imports to Eswatini
High Import Duties
Duties levied on imported technology goods serve as a revenue stream for the government while protecting domestic industries. These duties, often determined by harmonized system (HS) codes, can significantly impact the cost of imported technology, influencing consumer choices and industry competitiveness.
Special Permits
Special permits, such as those required to import dual-use and encrypted items, add another layer of complexity to the technology trade landscape. These permits aim to prevent the misuse of sensitive technologies for unauthorized purposes, ensuring national security and international non-proliferation commitments.
Border Delays
The main border connecting South Africa and Eswatini is the Ngwenya-Oshoek border post. Due to infrastructural challenges, this post experiences various delays. Monitoring the port and tracking customs is essential to keeping up with the logistical process.
Landlocked Status
Due to Eswatini’s landlocked status, TecEx can optimize imports into the country through its warehousing solution. The various TecEx hubs will ensure that tech goods reach their final destination in Eswatini efficiently and affordably.
Countries Associated with Eswatini
Africa
Mozambique
Asia
China
Specialized Solution for Eswatini
In the dynamic realm of technology trade in Eswatini, TecEx emerges as your trusted compliance partner, navigating the intricacies of customs, duties, special permits, compliance parameters, classifications, trade agreements, and restrictions.
Our comprehensive suite of services empowers you to streamline your cross-border technology transactions, ensuring efficiency and compliance. TecEx offers a Delivered Duty Paid service, allowing you to take complete control of your entire shipment. With live tracking, you can monitor your goods every step of the way until they reach their end destination in Eswatini.
Specific Compliance Regulations for Imports to Eswatini
ITAC Permit for Second-hand Goods and Cables
Most goods are transported via South Africa before entering Eswatini, requiring an International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) permit. This permit is required for all technology containing plugs or cables imported into Eswatini, as well as for all second-hand goods. TecEx will gather all the necessary supporting documents to obtain an ITAC permit and ensure a smooth customs clearance.
Insurance Letter
An insurance letter is not required for all shipments; however, it is advisable for high-value goods due to Eswatini being a high-risk lane. This insurance letter adds an extra layer of protection.
Get Shipping to Eswatini
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