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Customs clearing agent licensing in Zambia

Last checked: 20 October 2026 · Countries

The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) licenses clearing agents under section 182A of the Customs and Excise Act 1. Only companies incorporated under the Companies Act can apply 1. ZRA invites applications once a year by press notice, and applicants follow the checklist on Form CE 34 1. New agents are licensed for final clearance only 1. ZRA's last published clearing agent licence ran from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2025 2. ZRA's clearing agents page does not state the licence fee 1.
Regulator
Zambia Revenue Authority, Customs Services Division 1
Legal basis
Section 182A, Customs and Excise Act, Chapter 322 1,4
Who may apply
Companies incorporated under the Companies Act, Cap 388 1
Application form
Form CE 34, with its checklist 1
Licence period, 2022 round
1 January 2022 to 31 December 2024 3
Licence period, 2023 round
1 January 2023 to 31 December 2025 2
Licence fee
Not stated on the ZRA clearing agents page 1
Guidelines
Gazette Notice 425 of 2005 3

Who licenses clearing agents in Zambia

The Zambia Revenue Authority licenses clearing agents under section 182A of the Customs and Excise Act 1. The Act is Chapter 322 of the Laws of Zambia, and section 182A is headed Licensing of Clearing and Forwarding Agents 4. Section 182 of the Act deals with security given by agents 4.

Any company incorporated and registered under the Companies Act, Cap 388, can be licensed 1. Importers and exporters may appoint licensed agents to act for them, including paying duty to ZRA 1.

ZRA's 2021 notice said courier companies that clear uncustomed goods need a valid customs clearing agent's licence 3.

Documents for a new licence

The ZRA Customs Services Division publishes a press notice once a year inviting applications 1. Applications follow the checklist at the end of Form CE 34, and ZRA does not accept applications after the closing date 1. ZRA lists these documents for a new licence 1.

  • Certificate of incorporation 1.
  • Certificate of share capital 1.
  • Articles of association 1.
  • Tax Clearance Certificate from the Domestic Taxes Division 1.
  • A clearance letter from the Customs Services Division confirming the company owes nothing 1.
  • CVs, copies of qualifications and at least two references for each staff member who handles customs matters 1.

Final clearance, removal in bond and renewals

New applicants are considered for final clearance only 1. Removal in bond and removal in transit are open only to agents licensed for at least 12 months in the preceding year 1.

Companies that want removal in bond must give letters from their sureties confirming the bond will be valid for the fiscal year, with the amount to be assured for each station 1. They must show they own or occupy an appointed customs area at each inland station 1. ZRA may refuse removal in bond where this is not met 1.

For renewal, companies submit an updated Tax Clearance Certificate, customs clearance letter and company documents, and CVs for new staff 1. A company not licensed in the preceding year must apply for a new licence 1. Changes from final clearance only to full status, or added stations, go to the Secretariat of the Clearing Agents Committee in writing 1.

Staff qualifications

ZRA sets minimum qualifications for the staff who handle customs clearing 1. The rules are stricter at busy stations 1.

Station typeMinimum staff qualifications
Busy stations: Chirundu, Kapiri Mposhi, Kitwe, Livingstone, Lusaka, Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, Nakonde, Chanida, Kasumbalesa, Katima Mulilo, Kazungula, Mwami and Ndola 1Grade 12 or Form V certificate, one year of clearing experience as an officer or clerk and two years of supervisory or managerial clearing experience 1
Other stations 1Grade 12 or Form V certificate and one year of clearing experience, or a certificate from a recognised institution in the industry 1

Licence periods and past application rounds

ZRA's 2021 notice set an application window of 1 to 30 September 2021, closing at 17:00 hours on 30 September 3. It covered clearing agent licences for 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2024 and self clearing facility licences for 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2022 3. Applications went by hand to the Assistant Commissioner, Credibility and Controls, at ZRA Head Office 3.

A later ZRA notice offered clearing agent licences for 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2025 and self clearance facility licences for 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023 2. That page gives no closing date 2.

In February 2023 the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation said Zambia was running a clearing agent training programme identical to the one it supported in Malawi 5.

Common questions

Can an individual get a clearing agent licence in Zambia?

ZRA says any company incorporated and registered under the Companies Act, Cap 388, can be licensed 1.

What form is used to apply for a clearing agent licence in Zambia?

Applicants follow the checklist at the end of Form CE 34 1.

Can a new clearing agent in Zambia do removal in bond?

No. New applicants get final clearance only. Removal in bond and removal in transit need at least 12 months as a licensed agent in the preceding year 1.

How much is the clearing agent licence fee in Zambia?

ZRA's clearing agents page does not state a fee 1. Contact ZRA before applying.

Rules and fees change. Check the official site linked above before you apply or pay. Spotted an error? Email [email protected] with the official link.

Sources

  1. Zambia Revenue Authority: Clearing agents (undated)
  2. Zambia Revenue Authority: Application for customs clearing licences (undated, licence period 2023 to 2025)
  3. Zambia Revenue Authority: Public notice, applications for customs licence (August 2021)
  4. National Assembly of Zambia: Customs and Excise Act, Chapter 322 (undated copy)
  5. Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation: Modernising customs clearing agents in Malawi, by Florent Bakija (15 February 2023)

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