Includes import documentation and other requirements for both the U.S. exporter and foreign importer.

Imports to Ethiopia require:

  • Agency agreement;
  • A bank permit;
  • A bill of lading or airway bill;
  • Certificate of origin;
  • Commercial invoices;
  • Customs import declaration;
  • Foreign exchange authorization;
  • Import license;
  • Insurance certificate;
  • Packing list;
  • Tax identification number (TIN) certificate;
  • Pre-shipment inspection clean report of findings;
  • Transit document;
  • Value added tax (VAT) Certificate.

Medicines, medical supplies, and medical equipment must be registered with the Ethiopian Food and Drag Authority (EFDA). A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is also required for processed food and pharmaceuticals.

Plants or plant products, including seeds, agricultural inputs such as chemicals, pesticides and fertilizers cannot be imported to Ethiopia unless registered and duly authorized for import by the Ministry of Agriculture.

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.