Lesotho Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in lesotho, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
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Import Requirements and Documentation
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The Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL) requires importers to register with it to obtain an importer’s code. Importers are required to obtain licenses and import permits for restricted goods from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Business Development and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Nutrition. The Department of Marketing, under the Ministry of Trade and Industry, monitors the level of production of fruits, vegetables, eggs, and meat and issues import licenses in the event of supply shortages. National production has never met local demand. Non-automatic licenses apply to used clothing and vehicles imports.

Foreign companies in Lesotho have cited protective tariffs, port congestion in South Africa, customs valuation above invoice prices, import permits, and inefficient bureaucracy as barriers to trade. Transporting goods to and from Lesotho represents a challenge for traders since Lesotho has no direct sea access and has a very small international airport. However, quality facilities are available in Durban, South Africa, and can be accessed by road and rail networks.

American businesses interested in exporting to Lesotho are encouraged to engage the services of a reputable freight forwarding/customs clearance agent well versed in Lesotho law. Firms will also have to engage the freight forwarding/customs clearance agents in South Africa because Lesotho relies on South African ports (mostly Durban) for imports.

The following are required for shipments to Lesotho: 

  • Commercial Invoice
  • Parking List
  • Bill of Lading.
  • Bill of Entry (SAD Form).
  • Certificate of Origin.
  • Import Permit
  • Customs Declaration


For more information please visit: https://www.wto.org/  

 

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