Clearing cellphones at Namra: What every importer should know

Cellphones, whether for personal use or resale, are commonly processed at our border points.

Yet many travellers and businesses are not fully aware of the customs requirements that must be met to ensure smooth clearance at points of entry.

This lack of awareness often results in parcels being detained by the Namibia Revenue Agency’s customs officials, pending compliance with laws designed to protect both consumers and the broader Namibian society.

Recent figures from Namra highlight the scale of the challenge. Over 1 500 cellphones were detained at points of entry between April 2024 and July 2025.

The majority, being 1 251 handsets detained at Hosea Kutako International Airport, with Namra officials citing the absence of type approval from the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) as the primary reason.

Lower numbers were recorded at Eros Airport (eight devices) and the mail centre at NamPost (five devices), which were also linked to missing Cran approvals.

In addition, 289 cellphones were detained at the state warehouse, largely because of unpaid duties and taxes.

These statistics demonstrate the importance of compliance.

Namra emphasises that the first requirement for clearing cellphones is a valid invoice reflecting the value of the device, written in English. This document allows customs officials to determine the correct duties payable on the item.

Equally critical is the type approval certificate issued by Cran.

This certificate, which can be applied for before the parcel arrives in Namibia, confirms that the imported cellphone is suitable for use within the country’s telecommunications network. Without this approval, the device will be detained until the certificate is provided.

Type approval is not merely a bureaucratic step, it safeguards both consumers and the integrity of Namibia’s communication systems.

Devices that do not meet the required standards can disrupt connectivity, pose safety risks or interfere with local networks.

The requirement aligns with Section 123 of the Customs and Excise Act of 1998, which governs restrictions and prohibitions of certain goods.

With regards to payments, importers are required to pay two types of charges: value added tax (VAT) at 16.5%, and an ad valorem duty.

The ad valorem duty is calculated by adding 15% to the value of the device, multiplying that total by 7% and applying the result as the payable duty.

Notably, no customs duties are levied on cellphones.

The law also provides some relief for personal gifts.

Cellphones received as gifts may qualify for an exemption of N$1 400, meaning this portion is not subject to VAT or ad valorem duty.

However, this exemption applies only once per calendar year for each importer. A second phone received as a gift in the same year will not enjoy the same deduction.

Namra, therefore, calls on traders, businesses and individuals to familiarise themselves with these requirements.

Even seemingly small electronic items such as cellphones fall under customs clearance rules.

Compliance not only speeds up the release of parcels but also ensures that Namibia’s economy and society are protected from the risks associated with non-compliant imports.

– Tonateni Shidhudhu is the Namibia Revenue Agency’s strategic communication and stakeholder engagement manager.

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