How to Get an Import or Export Licence in Malawi

Table of contents

Submit a formal application letter to the Secretary for Trade and Industry to request an import licence, with processing taking 14 working days if all documents are attached²
Import licence fee is MK20,000 (non-refundable) and the licence is valid for 12 months from the date of issue²
Not all goods require an import licence; fertilizers and certain forest products do, but most commodities do not¹³
For imports, provide customs documentation including bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list and certificate of origin to the Malawi Revenue Authority¹
For exports, prepare commercial invoices, packing lists and certificates of origin, and check if your product requires an export licence⁴

Not all imports require a licence. Most commodities do not need one, but certain products including fertilizers are subject to import licence requirements.³ Check the list of products requiring import licences in the First Schedule of the Control of Goods (Import and Export Licence) Regulations 2020.²

If your product requires a licence, submit a formal application letter addressed to the Secretary for Trade and Industry.² Processing takes 14 working days if all documents are attached.² Once processed, you pay a non-refundable licence fee of MK20,000 upon collection.² Your licence is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.²

For fertilizer specifically, submit a pre-shipment sample to the Malawi Bureau of Standards for conformity assessment, with a certificate of analysis and material safety data.¹ Prepare customs documentation including a bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list and certificate of origin for the Malawi Revenue Authority.¹

Exporting goods

Export requirements depend on your product. Generally, certain maize, mineral and forestry products require export licences.³ Register your business with the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre and ensure compliance with export regulations.⁴

For all exports, prepare commercial invoices, packing lists and certificates of origin.⁴ If exporting agricultural products, adhere to quality standards set by the Malawi Bureau of Standards and obtain certifications such as the Export Quality Certification Scheme.⁴ Be aware of specific requirements in the destination country, such as import permits or phytosanitary certificates.⁴

If exporting under the SADC Trade Agreement, use a SADC certificate of origin to enjoy preferential rates of duty in member states.⁸ The certificate is obtained from the Malawi Revenue Authority Customs Stations at Blantyre Port, Lilongwe Port or Mzuzu Port for a fee of MK50.00 per copy.⁸

Colorful shipping containers stack at an industrial port under clear skies. — Illustrative photo by 炀何 on Pexels

SADC trade benefits

If importing from or exporting to a SADC member state, you may benefit from lower or zero customs duties.⁹ A certificate of origin from the importing or exporting country is needed to access these benefits.⁹

Official sources

Step by Step: How to Import Fertilizer trade.gov.mw · archived copy
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR OBTAINING AN IMPORT AND EXPORT LICENSE trade.gov.mw · archived copy
Faq trade.gov.mw · archived copy
Step by Step: How to Export Agricultural Products trade.gov.mw · archived copy
Business Opportunities in the SADC Region – Malawi Revenue Authority mra.mw · archived copy
Blantyre learns trade taxes – Malawi Revenue Authority mra.mw · archived copy

Every fact in this guide comes from these official Government of Malawi pages, numbered to match. Fees, dates and rules change: confirm on the official site before you go. Spotted an error? Tell us.