TIN registration for foreign importers — what you need before April 2026

TIN registration for foreign importers — what you need before April 2026

NamRA (Namibia Revenue Agency) has confirmed that from April 2026, all importers — including foreign companies — must hold a valid Namibian TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) for customs clearance at Walvis Bay and all other Namibian ports.

Why this matters now

Without a registered TIN, your cargo will be held at port pending registration. The registration process takes 10–20 working days under normal circumstances. If your vessel arrives before your TIN is confirmed, demurrage begins immediately.

What foreign companies need to register

To obtain a Namibian TIN as a foreign company, NamRA requires:

• Certified copy of company registration documents
• Certified copy of certificate of incorporation
• Names, nationalities, and ID documents of all directors
• Proof of business activity in or with Namibia
• Completed NamRA TIN application form
• Covering letter on company letterhead

Common reasons for rejection

• Documents not certified by a notary or apostille
• Director names do not match passport documents exactly
• Application letter does not reference the correct NamRA form number
• Incomplete director information (all directors must be listed)

How WalvisLink guides you through this

Our TIN wizard walks you through every requirement step by step, checks your documents against NamRA requirements before submission, generates your NamRA application letter automatically, and flags any gaps before they become a port hold.

Start the TIN process now — do not wait until a shipment is booked.

[Start your TIN application →](/tin-guide)

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Related guides

• [Customs Compliance Audits in Namibia](/resources/customs-compliance-audit-namra)
• [NamRA Advance Tariff Rulings](/resources/advance-tariff-ruling-namra)
• [ASYCUDA Selectivity & Green-Channel Profiling](/resources/asycuda-selectivity-green-channel-profile)