NamRA to cut Customs Guarantee Requirements from November

By: Elizabeth Naftal

The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) will introduce a new financial guarantee framework for customs operators from 1 November 2026, changing the level of security businesses must provide according to the nature and risk of their Customs activities.

The agency announced the changes in a public notice issued on Thursday, saying the framework is intended to reduce the cost of doing business while strengthening trade facilitation and Namibia’s position as a regional logistics hub.

Under the risk-based structure, authorised economic operators will face a 10% guarantee requirement, while extractive minerals and mineral-related activities will require 30%.

According to NamRA, standard bonded operations will require 50%, high-risk activities such as luxury and excise goods will require 75%, while deferment facilities will remain at 100%.

The framework will also set fixed financial guarantees for specific Customs operators. Dry port operators and container depots will each require N$300,000, while transit shed operators and cargo handlers will require N$200,000. Clearing agents will have a fixed guarantee of N$20,000.

Moreover, the changes affect the level of financial security businesses must furnish, but do not remove their underlying Customs liabilities.

The statement further noted that the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDAWorld) will calculate maximum operating limits using the full Customs exposure, allowing businesses to operate within system-controlled limits while transactions are monitored against approved thresholds.

For operators already holding Customs guarantees on 1 November, NamRA has provided a 90-calendar-day transition period ending on 31 January 2027.

During this period, businesses will have to reconcile outstanding duties and taxes, increase their guarantees where required or settle excess liabilities in cash.