Countries · BW
Botswana: sanctions and trade risk
As of 7 November 2026, the screened UN, EU, UK, Swiss and US sanctions lists contain 0 companies, organisations, vessels and aircraft linked to Botswana.Lists last checked .
Logistics profile: ports, airports, customs, documents, holidays, news ↓
No elevated country indicator for Botswana in the route rules Sanctioni uses. That is not a clearance: goods may still be export-controlled, and parties in Botswana may still be on a list.
On the sanctions lists
No entry on the 7 lists Sanctioni screens names Botswana.
Latest changes
No new listings or removals naming Botswana recorded yet.
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Logistics profile
Botswana: logistics and trade
Landlocked / Mining and diamond exports
Botswana (ISO-Code: BW) is located in Southern Africa, bordering South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Politically, the country is a stable parliamentary democracy with well-developed institutions. The climate is predominantly semi-arid with hot summers, mild winters, and irregular rainfall, which significantly affects agriculture. Economically, Botswana is primarily characterized by diamond exports, mining, and livestock farming, while the industrial sector remains small. The country is import-dependent for fuels, machinery, consumer goods, and food. In foreign trade, South Africa plays a central role as the main supplier and buyer, with the transit function primarily secured through South African ports due to its landlocked position. The national currency is the Pula (BWP), which supports stable payment and trade relations. Logistically, businesses benefit from a well-developed road network and reliable border connections to neighboring countries. Botswana is considered a stable inland market in Southern Africa with increasing significance for regional trade.
- Capital
- Gaborone
- Population
- 2,359,609
- Area
- 581,730 km²
- Currency
- Botswana Pula (BWP)
- Continent
- Africa
- Region
- Southern Africa
- Economic area
- SACU / SADC
- Religions
- Christianity, African Rel.
- Access to the sea
- Landlocked
Transport modes Road · Rail · Air
- Current situation
- The Kazungula Bridge (road and rail) over the Zambezi has connected Botswana and Zambia since 2021 and relieves the North-South Corridor.
- Seasonal conditions
- Rainy season from November to March can affect rural roads; in the dry season the network is largely in good condition for travel.
Main cargo airports
- Sir Seretse Khama International AirportGBE
Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE), Gaborone: Botswana's main gateway and Air Botswana base. Modest cargo volumes, diamonds the top air export.
- Maun AirportMUB
Maun Airport (MUB): gateway to the Okavango Delta and a top light-aircraft hub in southern Africa. Tourism, not cargo; freight routes via Gaborone (GBE).
- Kasane AirportBBK
Kasane Airport (BBK): air gateway to Chobe National Park at the four-country border. Safari charters, no cargo terminal; freight routes via Gaborone (GBE).
- P G Matante IntlFRW
P G Matante Intl (FRW), Francistown, Botswana's second city near Zimbabwe. Regional flights, little cargo; goods move by road/rail or via Gaborone (GBE).
Road corridors
- Trans-Kalahari Corridor (Gaborone-Walvis Bay)
- North-South Corridor (to Durban via South Africa)
- A1 Lobatse-Gaborone-Francistown-Ramokgwebana
- Kazungula Corridor (to Zambia)
Rail corridors
- Botswana Railways main line Ramatlabama-Lobatse-Gaborone-Francistown-Plumtree
- Connection to the South African and Zimbabwean rail networks
Inland ports
- Botswana Dry Port, Walvis Bay (Namibia)
Main trade lanes
- Botswana-South Africa (road/rail)
- Botswana-Namibia (Walvis Bay)
- Botswana-Belgium/India (diamonds, air freight)
Customs and import
Customs authority Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS)Official website ↗
- Import customs system
- Electronic clearance via the BURS e-Customs Single Electronic Window (TFBSEW) with SAD-500 declaration. As a SACU member, no duties in intra-trade with ZA, NA, LS and SZ.
- Export customs system
- Exports are processed through the BURS e-Customs System with SAD-500 declaration. No duties within SACU; main export: diamonds via Antwerp as well as regional markets.
- Import VAT
- Import VAT at the standard rate of 14 percent (since 2021; VAT system since 2002); zero rate for certain supplies. VAT registration required from taxable annual turnover of P500'000.
- Proofs of origin and trade agreements
- SACU intra-trade without duties; preferences under SADC, SACU-EFTA, SADC-EU-EPA and AGOA. Proof of origin required depending on the agreement.
- Restricted and prohibited goods
- BURS regulates prohibited and restricted goods at borders, including weapons, drugs, certain foodstuffs, and animal and plant products; some require permits.
Typical import documents
- Commercial invoice
- Waybill
- SAD 500 customs declaration
- Certificate of origin
- Packing list
- Import permit (if required)
Typical export documents
- Commercial invoice
- SAD 500 customs declaration
- Certificate of origin
- Packing list
- Kimberley Process Certificate (rough diamonds)
Logistics conditions
- Customs complexity
- Medium
- Customs delays
- Medium
- Dangerous goods relevance
- Medium
- Pharma and cold chain relevance
- Medium
- E-commerce relevance
- Low to medium
Trade
Top import partners
Top export partners
Top import goods
- Machinery
- Vehicles
- Petroleum products
- Consumer goods
- Foodstuffs
Top export goods
- Diamonds
- Copper
- Nickel
- Beef
- Gold
Typical cargo
- Diamonds
- Copper and nickel
- Beef
- Machinery and vehicles
- Fuels
- Consumer goods and foodstuffs
Logistics questions
Is Botswana landlocked?
Yes. Botswana has no access to the sea; imports and exports run via ports in South Africa (Durban) and Namibia (Walvis Bay).
Which VAT rate applies in Botswana?
The standard VAT rate is 14 percent; certain supplies are subject to the zero rate of 0 percent (source: BURS).
From when is VAT registration mandatory?
You must register for VAT once taxable annual turnover exceeds P500'000.
Which customs authority is responsible?
The Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS). Clearance is processed electronically via the e-Customs Single Electronic Window.
Are duties charged in trade with South Africa?
No. Within SACU (South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini) goods move duty-free; only local taxes such as VAT are levied.
Which declaration document is used?
The SAD-500 customs declaration, submitted electronically via the BURS e-Customs System.
Which main goods does Botswana export?
Mainly diamonds, as well as copper, nickel and beef.
Which modes of transport are relevant for Botswana?
Road and rail for regional traffic, as well as air freight, especially for diamonds.
Full logistics profile on Freight Academy ↗
Powered by Freight Academy, verified 22 Jun 2026. Logistics information, not a sanctions source.