Ethiopia Import Process: Step-by-Step Guide
# Process What You Do Where to Go / Platform Key Document(s)
1 Obtain Trade License Register your business for import
MoTRIactivity
(Ministry of Trade) Business License
2 Register for TIN & VAT Get tax ID and VAT certificateERCA (Revenue Office) TIN Certificate, VAT Registration
3 Open Bank Account Open a foreign exchange account
Commercial Bank (e.g., CBE,Account
Awash)info
4 Get Proforma Invoice Request from foreign supplierContact your supplier Proforma Invoice
5 Apply for Forex Submit proforma to bank to request
Your Bank
foreign
(viacurrency
NBE) Forex Approval Letter
6 Apply for Import Permit Submit required docs and getESW
import
Portal
approval
([Link])
Import Permit
7 Place Order & Pay Transfer money to supplier Your Bank (TT payment) Bank Payment Proof
8 Shipment of Goods Supplier ships the goods Supplier / Shipping Line Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
9 Submit Customs Declaration
Register shipment with customs
ESW Portal / Clearing Agent Customs Declaration Form
10 Pay Duties & Taxes Customs assesses and you pay
ERCAduties
/ ESW Portal Payment Receipt
11 Goods Inspection & Release
Customs inspects and releases
Portyour
/ Airport
goods/ Dry port Release Order, Clearance Certificate
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