Import regulations in Ethiopia on who can import to Ethiopia, in relation to foreign exchange, import ban or restrictions are provided on this page; one can find out details of the foreign currency directive so that one could understand the rules that specify how an importer can secure the foreign currency needed; one can see if there is import ban or quantitative import restrictions on certain goods. Who can import to Ethiopia? According to Regulations No. 84/2003 or 84/1995 EC and its amendment 146/2008 or 146/2000 EC, Import trade (excluding LPG, bitumen and up on the approval of the Council of Ministers) in Ethiopia is exclusively reserved for domestic investors.
A businessperson who wants to engage in import trade in Ethiopia must be registered with the Ministry of Trade and Industry, which regulates imports, and obtain a trading license. Obtaining a trading license is easy and takes a much lesser time than it used to some years ago. The necessary regulations and procedures to obtain a trading license are found in our business startup page. This page provides the import trade regulations in Ethiopia in relation to foreign exchange and import ban or restrictions.
Foreign Currency
Importers should get licenses to secure the necessary foreign currency. Any purchase worth more than USD 2000 should be processed either through letter of credit (LC) or Cash Against Document (CAD). This is as per the foreign exchange directive No FDX/1998 which was issued according to the Monetary and Banking Proclamation No 83/1994 - articles 39/1 and 12.
Importers that apply for foreign currency should use Ethiopian Shipping Lines (for Sea Transport) or Ethiopian Air Lines (in case of Air Transport) to transport their cargo. If these carriers do not call a specific port, the carriers give the importers a waiver.
Import Ban or Quantitative Import Restrictions
Except for items which are socially and morally harmful (e.g. drugs, weapons and pornographic materials), no import ban or quantitative import restrictions exist. (Source: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada - www.international.gc.ca)
However:
- Some imports must meet the standards of the Quality and Standards Authority of Ethiopia (QSAE). Details concerning product inspection and certification are available on the Authority's Web site: http://www.qsae.org/. The QSAE is currently going through a process of making it the first quality and standards accreditation and certification body in Ethiopia.
- Medicines and medical supplies must be registered with the Drug Administration and Control Authority (DACA) of Ethiopia. No drug, whether produced locally or imported, shall be put into use unless it is duly registered by the Authority. DACA has banned the importation of drugs from some foreign drug manufacturing companies who do not follow Good Manufacturing Practice.
- No person shall import into Ethiopia any plant or plant product, including seeds as legally specified, not duly authorized for import by the Minister of Agriculture. All imported plants and other articles liable to be infested or infected with plant pests are subject to quarantine.
