IOR Africa
IOR Africa

Importing to Somalia

IOR Africa: Your Importer of Record Experts in Somalia

Taxes: 10%

Duties: 12%

Lead Time: 1 Week

Best carrier option: Freight Forwarder

  • Asbestos or any items containing asbestos
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Narcotic drugs under international control
  • Plastic bags
  • Printed publications
  • photographs
  • pictures
  • books
  • magazines that “contradict Islamic teachings
  • decency or morality”
  • Any new or used
  • items containing radioactive elements Radio or remote-controlled model aircraft
  • Live swine and its meat
  • Pork meat
  • fat
  • hair
  • blood
  • guts
  • members
  • and anything extracted from it
  • Frog meat
  • Recreation drugs and narcotics of all types of names and forms
  • Any wastes: industrial
  • pharmaceutical
  • chemical and their related side products
  • Foodstuffs made from animal blood
  • Equipment
  • machinery
  • devices for gambling
  • Advertising materials for cigarettes
Documents Required

Documents Requirements for Somalia Customs:

Common Challenges When Importing to Somalia

Somalia’s ICT sector is a national priority under the 9th National Development Plan, with major government and private investment directed toward digital transformation. However, businesses importing IT, telecom, and dual-use goods must overcome several operational challenges.

1

Complex Import Regulations

Somalia’s customs framework is evolving, and compliance with import licenses, duties, and documentation requirements can be time-consuming and confusing.

2

Security and Political Risks

Instability and security issues can disrupt supply chains and create additional risks for foreign businesses importing into Somalia.

3

Dual-Use Goods Restrictions

Tech and telecom hardware with potential dual-use applications require extra scrutiny, permits, and approvals, delaying imports.

4

Currency and Payment Barriers

Access to foreign exchange is limited, creating challenges for international trade settlements and compliance with local financial regulations.

How to Overcome These Challenges

By working with IOR Africa, businesses can:

Ensure compliance with Somalia’s customs, duties, and regulatory requirements

Secure permits and approvals for IT, telecom, and dual-use equipment

Manage end-to-end customs clearance, documentation, and duty estimation

Mitigate logistics risks with tailored DDP shipping solutions

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