International Shipping from / to Zambia

Customs in Zambia

The Customs department in the Republic of Zambia is supposed to be there to stop illegal substances, like hazardous materials and biochemicals, from getting into the country.  In reality their Customs department is disorganized and disjointed, causing many prohibited and restricted items to pass through, while holding up some perfectly acceptable items.  To help minimize your shipment being effected by such activities, it is advised that you get a tracking number for your shipment to help keep your parcel actively being checked throughout the process.  This will not guarantee the successful delivery of your items, but it may help.

Security concerns when shipping to Zambia

There is an alarming rate of human trafficking that takes place in the Republic of Zambia, as well as other criminal activity, particularly thievery.  Both acts of criminality affect the day to day operations of a shipping and delivery company by pulling vital resources from their duties and jobs as well as infrastructure compromises like shutting down roads.  And because of all these problems, delivery trucks are a common guise for illegally shipping people across the borders.  This means that regular delivery trucks will be scrutinized and searched more regularly than they otherwise would be, causing delays in your shipment getting to its new home.

Preparing your shipment to Zambia

Before you ship something to the Republic of Zambia, you will want to check with either your shipping company or their Customs department for the appropriate documents that need to be attached to your package in order for it to be admitted into the country.  These documents may vary based on what you send, but they will most likely include a Bill of Lading, a certificate of origin and the original invoice, if that applies to your particular shipment.  Your shipper will know what you need.