Eswatini: sanctions and trade risk

No elevated indicator

As of 7 November 2026, the screened UN, EU, UK, Swiss and US sanctions lists contain 0 companies, organisations, vessels and aircraft linked to Eswatini.Lists last checked 2026-11-07 21:01 UTC.

Logistics profile: ports, airports, customs, documents, holidays, news ↓

No elevated country indicator for Eswatini in the route rules Sanctioni uses. That is not a clearance: goods may still be export-controlled, and parties in Eswatini may still be on a list.

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On the sanctions lists

No entry on the 7 lists Sanctioni screens names Eswatini.

Latest changes

No new listings or removals naming Eswatini recorded yet.

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Logistics profile

Eswatini: logistics and trade

Landlocked country, SACU member; transit via South African and Mozambican ports

Eswatini (ISO code SZ) is a landlocked kingdom in Southern Africa bordering South Africa and Mozambique. It is a constitutional monarchy with a traditional governance structure. The climate is subtropical with hot summers, mild winters and a distinct rainy and dry season. The economy rests on agriculture, industry and services, with sugar production, textiles and forestry as key sectors. Exports cover agricultural and industrial goods, while the country depends on imports of energy, machinery and consumer goods. As a member of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and the Common Monetary Area, its currency, the Lilangeni (SZL), is pegged at par to the South African Rand. Trade relies on the neighbouring seaports of Durban, Richards Bay, Maputo and Matola, linked by Eswatini Railways and a regional road network, with the Matsapha inland container depot as the central hub.

Capital: Mbabane, (Lobamba, royal)
Population: 1,256,000
Area: 17,364 km²
Currency: Swazi lilangeni (SZL)
Continent: Africa
Region: Southern Africa
Economic area: SACU / SADC / CMA
Religions: Christianity
Access to the sea: Landlocked

Transport modes Road · Rail · Air

Current situation: In 2024, the expansion of dedicated freight capacity at SHO airport was ordered. The Matsapha ICD remains the country's central container hub.
Seasonal conditions: Subtropical climate. Rainy season from November to March with heavy rain, dry season from May to September. Occasional road and transport disruptions possible.

Road corridors

N17 via Ngwenya/Oshoek to Johannesburg and Durban (SA)
Lubombo Corridor / MR3 to Maputo (MZ)

Rail corridors

Eswatini Railways north-south line to Richards Bay and Durban (SA)
Goba line to Maputo/Matola (MZ)

Inland ports

Matsapha Dry Port / Inland Container Depot (ICD), operated by Eswatini Railways

Main trade lanes

Eswatini-South Africa (SACU)
Eswatini-EU (sugar, EPA)
Eswatini-USA
Eswatini-Mozambique (transit)

Customs and import

Customs authority Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS), Customs and ExciseOfficial website ↗

Import customs system: SACU Common External Tariff; duty-free within SACU. External duties mostly 0 to 30 percent, clothing higher. Administered by the ERS.
Export customs system: Export declaration with the ERS; no internal duties within SACU. Proofs of preference depending on the agreement; for the EU, EUR.1 under the SADC-EU EPA.
Import VAT: 15,5 percent standard rate since 1. May 2025; also charged on imports (ERS).
Proofs of origin and trade agreements: EUR.1 for the SADC-EU EPA; SACU and SADC origin proofs; COMESA preferences. Certification by the ERS.
Restricted and prohibited goods: Licensing and control requirements, including for weapons and ammunition, certain agricultural and food products, and pharmaceuticals; rules largely based on SACU law.

Typical import documents

Commercial invoice
Consignment note / Bill of Lading or CMR
Packing list
SAD customs declaration (SACU)
Import licence, if applicable

Typical export documents

Commercial invoice
Packing list
Export declaration
Proof of origin (EUR.1 / SADC)
Transport document

Logistics conditions

Customs complexity: Medium
Customs delays: Medium
Dangerous goods relevance: Low to medium
Pharma and cold chain relevance: Low to medium
E-commerce relevance: Low

Trade

Top import partners

South Africa China United States Japan Germany

Top export partners

South Africa Kenya EU United States Japan

Top import goods

Petroleum products
Machinery
Vehicles
Chemicals
Consumer goods

Top export goods

Sugar
Concentrates
Timber
Textiles
Coal

Typical cargo

Sugar and concentrates
Timber and wood products
Textiles and clothing
Petroleum products (import)
Machinery and vehicles (import)

Logistics questions

Does Eswatini have its own seaport?

No. Eswatini is a landlocked country and handles sea freight through the ports of Durban and Richards Bay in South Africa, and Maputo and Matola in Mozambique. The Matsapha Dry Port serves as the inland container depot.

Which import VAT applies in Eswatini?

The standard VAT rate has been 15,5 percent since 1. May 2025 and is also charged on imports. The Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) is responsible.

Are customs duties charged on trade with South Africa?

No. Eswatini, together with South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho and Namibia, belongs to the SACU customs union. Trade within SACU is duty-free, and a common external tariff applies to outside countries.

Which proofs of preference are needed for exports to the EU?

Exports to the EU are covered by the SADC-EU Economic Partnership Agreement. A EUR.1 movement certificate, certified by the ERS, is generally required.

Which modes of transport are important for Eswatini?

Road and rail carry the bulk of freight traffic. Eswatini Railways connects the country with ports in South Africa and Mozambique. Air freight runs through King Mswati III Airport (SHO).

What are the external tariffs of the SACU?

The rates of the common external tariff are mostly between 0 and 30 percent. For certain product groups, such as clothing, they can be higher.

Which currency is used in Eswatini?

The national currency is the lilangeni (SZL), which is pegged one to one to the South African rand within the Common Monetary Area.

Full logistics profile on Freight Academy ↗