Guide to Customs Regulations in Africa

Africa customs regulations are important to know if you’re hoping to do regular business with any country on that continent. These regulations can vary greatly from country to country, but all must be followed carefully if you don’t want to run into shipping problems. Fortunately, there are many Internet resources that can help you understand African customs regulations for any circumstances.

Customs regulations in Africa can be found from companies that specialize in international shipping and in customs brokerage. These regulations can also be found from the African governments, where you can be sure that the information is correct. The South African government, for example, gives detailed guidelines to South African customs regulations on government websites.

When you’re looking for information about Africa customs regulations:

1. Find shipping companies with experience in African customs regulations.

2. Make sure you’re complying with the customs regulations of the specific country.

3. Gather information from the US and from foreign governments to avoid potential problems.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get information from companies that specialize in customs regulations in Africa

There are many companies who specialize in importing and exporting goods internationally. Many of these companies can give good advice about customs regulations in Africa.

I recommend: Walker World Trade is a large import/export company with offices around the world. They offer consultations on trade issues upon request. Customs Services & Solutions, Inc. is a customs brokerage firm that can help to get goods shipped more quickly across borders. 

Consult the country government department whose African customs regulations you need to understand

The best and most accurate information about Africa customs regulations is always from the source. Government websites contain the information specific to that country's rules for customs and have contact information to find any additional information.

I recommend: The South African Revenue Service offers direct links to South African customs regulations and also provides a list of publications on customs regulations in South Africa. Egypt’s Information Portal gives international trade information, including customs regulations in Egypt. The Kenyan Office of Public Communications details Kenya customs regulations on its website. Flying Eagle Shipping Limited is a Nigerian customs brokerage firm with detailed knowledge on Nigeria customs regulations. To find customs regulations in Congo, go to the Kinhshasa, Congo U.S. Embassy site. For customs regulations in Somalia, visit The International Movers Network. Interfreight has helpful information on customs regulations in Sudan and Ugandan customs regulations as well.  VisaHQ has information on customs regulations in Libya.

Check government websites on importing and exporting when dealing with African customs regulations

You can learn about both US regulations concerning international trade and information about trading with countries around the world.

I recommend: Export.gov has international trade information including African Customs Regulations and links to other government departments that can help with African trade. U.S. Commercial Service has a form that can search for trade documents on any industry in any country over a range of time. The Corporate Council on Africa is a private but US government-sponsored organization dedicated to promoting US-Africa trade. Their publications include guides to customs regulations in South Africa, customs regulations in Algeria and Nigeria customs regulations.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Don't forget that customs regulations in Africa will be different for every country. Make sure that you check out the regulations for every country you plan to do business with!

The official source of Customs Regulations in Africa is
the Customs Regulations in Africa page at Business.com