Importing Into 🇪🇹 Ethiopia
Ethiopian Customs Commission
15%
US$50
De Minimis Threshold
US$50
1500 ETB
Shipments below this value may enter without customs duty. VAT may still apply depending on local rules.
Personal-import parcels under ETB 1,500 (≈USD 28) duty-free; above attracts 35% combined customs + VAT + surtax + withholding tax. Ethiopia is not yet a WTO member; tariffs are higher than regional norms.
As of: 2023-01-01
VAT / GST on Imports
15%
Applied on the customs value (CIF — cost, insurance, freight) plus any applicable duties.
Required Documentation
| # | Document |
|---|---|
| 01 | Customs declaration form |
| 02 | EFDA permit for medications |
| 03 | Cash declaration over USD 3,000 |
Requirements vary by shipment value, HS chapter, and origin country. Learn about each document type →
Restricted Import Categories
- ⚠Firearms
- ⚠Pharmaceuticals (EFDA permit)
- ⚠Currency over USD 3,000
Prohibited Import Categories
- ✗Narcotics (khat is exempt — legal in Ethiopia)
- ✗Counterfeit goods
- ✗Pornographic material
Special Notes
- 01Khat (qat / chat) is legal in Ethiopia; remains illegal in many destinations.
- 02Ethiopian Birr (ETB) is non-convertible outside Ethiopia.
- 03Bole International (ADD) is a major African hub — Ethiopian Airlines transit traffic dominates.
Estimate duties and VAT for a specific shipment into Ethiopia.
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