Single window valuation system cargo tracking

8.2.1 Examination of Goods
“Examination of goods” refers to the physical examination of goods 
by a customs officer to satisfy that the origin, country of export, 
nature, condition, quality, quantity, tariff classification and value of 
the goods are in accordance with the information furnished in the 
goods declaration. This includes the examination of goods on the 
basis of declarations by travelers.
The examination of goods by ERCA is needed to ensure that goods 
to be released are covered by a registered declaration. For this 
purpose, ERCA may take samples for examination and analysis. The 
declarant is entitled to be present when the goods are examined 
or samples are taken; provided, however, that if he fails to appear, 
ERCA can proceed to conduct the examination or to take the 
samples in the presence of the warehouse operator.
The examination of goods may take place at: 
• Customs premises;
• Government offices and companies premises;
• Warehouse or project site;
• Industry zones; or
• Any place approved by the deputy manager of customs affairs 
at an ERCA branch.
According to the Goods Examination Directives No. No. 119/2008, 
the following are eligible for examination outside of customs 
premises:
• Eligible agencies and companies:

---

ETHIOPIAN CUSTOMS GUIDE -
MARCH 2017
68
• Government agencies and government share 
companies; o Beneficiaries of export trade tax 
incentive schemes;
• Projects owned by federal and regional governments;
• Public or regional development associations; and
• Authorized Economic Operators.
• Eligible goods:
• Manufacturing raw materials, chemicals and 
inflammatory goods;
• Fuel and fuel products;
• New vehicles, if imported in a quantity of twenty and 
above at a time by one importer; also three wheel 
vehicles 40 and above;
• Fertilizer, relief cereal and other bulk cargos;
• Mirrors of vehicles and buildings;
• Export consignments;
• Big factory machinery, investment goods and other 
goods not convenient for examination at a customs 
station;
• Other goods can be allowed by the deputy branch 
manager.
The declarant must cover the costs incurred for the examination of 
goods, such as the cost of transport of the goods to the place where 
they are examined or samples are taken, the cost of taking samples 
and the cost of examination, as well as any expenses related thereto.
Where the declarant considers the result of a partial examination to 
be invalid as regards the remainder of the goods, he/she can request 
further examination of the goods and shall cover the expenses 
incurred by such examination.

---

ETHIOPIAN CUSTOMS GUIDE -
MARCH 2017
69