Navigating the Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) customs procedures is essential for both travelers and businesses engaging in import and export activities within Botswana. Understanding these processes ensures compliance with local regulations and facilitates smooth cross-border transactions.
Customs Declaration Requirements
All goods entering or exiting Botswana must be declared to BURS’s Customs & Excise Division using the appropriate customs forms, accompanied by supporting documents such as import licenses, invoices, and certificates of origin. This declaration should specify the relevant Customs Procedure Codes, indicating the nature of the transaction—be it importation for home use, temporary importation, or transit. Importers and exporters are advised to verify if their goods are subject to customs duties, taxes, prohibitions, or restrictions prior to shipment.
Traveler Allowances and Obligations
Travelers are permitted to import certain goods duty-free, provided these items are for personal use and not intended for resale. The allowances include:
- Alcoholic Beverages: Up to 2 liters of wine and 1 liter of spirits.
- Tobacco Products: 200 cigarettes, 20 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco.
- Perfume and Toiletries: 50 milliliters of perfume and 250 milliliters of toilet water.
- Other Goods: New or used items valued up to R3,000 from outside the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) or up to R500 from within SACU.
It’s important to note that goods exceeding these allowances may incur customs duties and VAT. Additionally, residents returning to Botswana after an absence of less than 48 hours are not eligible for these concessions.
Motor Vehicle Clearance
Botswana does not impose restrictions on the importation or exportation of motor vehicles. However, vehicles imported temporarily must be covered by a Temporary Import Permit issued by BURS or an ATA Carnet and may remain in Botswana for up to 14 days without incurring customs duties and VAT. Beyond this period, applicable duties and taxes become payable. Foreign-registered vehicles entering Botswana are also required to pay a National Road Safety Fund levy of P40.00, valid until the end of December each year, and a Road Transport Permit levy based on the vehicle’s laden load.
Currency Declaration
While there are no restrictions on the cross-border movement of banknotes, individuals carrying Pula and/or foreign currency equivalent to or exceeding P10,000 must declare these amounts upon entering or leaving Botswana. This requirement aids in collecting national statistics, monitoring capital flows, and enforcing anti-money laundering measures.
Advancements in Customs Procedures
BURS has implemented a comprehensive Customs Management System (CMS) to enhance trade facilitation and data management. This integrated platform allows traders to file declarations, apply for permits and licenses, track consignments, settle payments, and manage interactions with customs and other agencies efficiently. The system’s integration with express courier services and other government agencies has reduced paper dependency and improved coordination across departments.
Capacity Building Initiatives
To ensure effective implementation of trade agreements and facilitate trade, BURS has conducted extensive training programs for customs officials. For instance, a nationwide technical training program was launched to educate officials on the Rules of Origin and the application of Diagonal Cumulation under the EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). These initiatives aim to enhance the capacity of customs officials, thereby improving the efficiency of customs procedures and supporting Botswana’s export-led economic diversification.