Single window valuation system cargo tracking

1.1 Structure of the Guide
This customs guide consists of three parts. The first, introductory 
one presents and overview of the guide and directions to where a 
trader can obtain further information, as well as briefly introduces 
basic key concepts of customs operation in Ethiopia. This part 
therefore provides background information and serves as a point of 
reference for further research that a trader or other interested person 
may wish to engage in.

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ETHIOPIAN CUSTOMS GUIDE -
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The second part of the guide provides simple step-by-step guides for 
importing and exporting goods into and from Ethiopia. The purpose 
of these short descriptions is to provide inexperienced traders with 
an idea of the procedures to be followed when trading across the 
Ethiopian borders.
Part three then provides more detailed information about individual 
stages in the import and export process and generally follows the 
structure of Customs Proclamation No. 859/2014, Ethiopia’s primary 
legislation for customs operations. In order to further facilitate access 
to the part III, the step-by-step guides in part II also provide cross-
references to the relevant sections in the guide’s part III.
1.2 Additional Sources of Information
Further information and help on customs operations in Ethiopia can 
be obtained from ERCA’s website – http://www.erca.gov.et– or by 
contacting ERCA’s Customer Service Directorate. It can be reached 
as follows:
• Internet:http://www.erca.gov.et/index.php/contact-us/head- 
office.
• Telephone: Helpline/free phone call center at 8199
• Email: [e-mail]
• Fax: [phone]
• Post: P.O. Box: 2559, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
1.3 Other Regulatory Bodies for Import and Export
Apart from ERCA, a number of regulatory agencies are involved 
in regulating Ethiopia’s international trade. Their responsibilities 
generally include safety and security; environment and health; 
consumer protection; revenue collection; and trade policy. The main 
agencies and their specific responsibilities are listed in Table 1.

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ETHIOPIAN CUSTOMS GUIDE -
MARCH 2017
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No Regulatory
agency
Area regulated 
(related to im-
ports and exports)
Responsibilities
1
Ministry of 
Trade (MOT)
All import and ex-
port goods
• Issues Import Re-
lease Permit
• Issues Import 
Release Permit for 
Legal-Metrology 
Instruments
• Issues Export Re-
lease Permit
2
Ethiopian 
Investment 
Commission 
(EIC) and 
Regional 
Investment 
Bureaus
All goods imported 
and exported by 
investors
• Issues and renews
Investment permit
• Issues Custom Duty 
Free permission 
letter
3
National Bank 
of Ethiopia 
(NBE) and Com-
mercial Banks 
(CBs)
Foreign currency
• Registers sales con-
tract agreement
• Issues Export Bank 
Permit
• Issues Foreign cur-
rency Approval
• Issues Bank import 
permit
• for:
• Letter of Credit
• (Open L/C)
• Advance Payment
• Approves Purchase 
Order for CAD