Zambia: sanctions and trade risk

No elevated indicator

As of 7 November 2026, the screened UN, EU, UK, Swiss and US sanctions lists contain 2 companies, organisations, vessels and aircraft linked to Zambia.Lists last checked 2026-11-07 21:01 UTC.

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

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

Check a shipment to Zambia →

On the sanctions lists

2 entries on the official lists name Zambia — as nationality, address, registration or flag. That links them to the country; it says nothing about other companies there. The same company can appear on several lists and is then counted once per list. Individuals are not included — Sanctioni does not process them.

List	Entries	Companies & organisations	Vessels	Aircraft
US OFAC — Specially Designated Nationals (SDN)	2	2	—	—

Latest changes

No new listings or removals naming Zambia recorded yet.

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Logistics profile

Zambia: logistics and trade

Landlocked country / Copper exporter / Transit country

Zambia (ISO code: ZM) is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, bordering the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and other states. It is a presidential republic with comparatively stable institutions by regional standards. The climate is mainly tropical, with distinct rainy and dry seasons. The economy is heavily driven by mining, especially copper from the Copperbelt, which is central to value creation and export earnings. Because it is landlocked, the country depends on efficient transport corridors to seaports in neighbouring states, giving logistics strategic importance. Copper and copper products dominate exports, while fuels, machinery, vehicles and consumer goods are imported. The national currency is the Zambian Kwacha (ZMW).

Capital: Lusaka
Population: 21,314,956
Area: 752,612 km²
Currency: Kwacha (ZMW)
Continent: Africa
Region: Southern Africa
Economic area: COMESA / SADC
Religions: Christianity
Access to the sea: Landlocked

Transport modes Road · Rail · Air

Current situation: TAZARA railway is being modernised (1,4 bn USD, agreement China/Zambia/Tanzania 2025); Dar es Salaam corridor carries around 60 percent of copper exports. Lobito corridor is gaining importance.
Seasonal conditions: Rainy season November to April can affect road corridors and border crossings; dry season May to October more favourable for road transport.

Main cargo airports

Kenneth Kaunda International AirportLUN
Kenneth Kaunda International (LUN) is Zambia's only air-cargo airport: 9,280 t/year, cold storage, ZEGA handling. Emeralds fly out; copper goes by rail and road.
Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International AirportNLA
Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe (NLA), Ndola: Copperbelt cargo airport opened 2021, 18,054 t in 2023. Copper and cobalt, dedicated freight terminal, 3,500 m runway.
Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International AirportLVI
LVI Livingstone sits 15 km from Victoria Falls: a tourism airport with little freight. Air cargo flies belly-hold; volumes run through Lusaka (LUN).

Road corridors

Dar es Salaam corridor (Great North Road/TANZAM)
North-South corridor to Durban (ZA)
Beira corridor (MZ)
Walvis Bay corridor (NA)
Lobito corridor (AO)

Rail corridors

TAZARA (Kapiri Mposhi–Dar es Salaam)
Zambia Railways (North-South line)
Connection to Lobito corridor (Benguela Railway)

Inland ports

Mpulungu (port on Lake Tanganyika)

Main trade lanes

Zambia–China (copper/cobalt)
Zambia–Switzerland (copper trade)
Zambia–South Africa (imports)
Zambia–DR Congo
Zambia–UAE

Customs and import

Customs authority Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA)Official website ↗

Import customs system: Import via ZRA using ASYCUDA World; electronic customs declaration. Tariff based on COMESA/SADC with bands of 0, 5, 15 and 25 percent. Smart Invoice mandatory for VAT.
Export customs system: Export via ZRA using ASYCUDA World; electronic export declaration. Permits apply to minerals and copper, and some export duties apply.
Import VAT: 16 percent standard rate (ZRA); basic foodstuffs zero-rated, financial, educational and health services exempt.
Proofs of origin and trade agreements: Preferential proofs under COMESA and SADC (certificate of origin); AfCFTA being implemented. EUR.1 not applicable.
Restricted and prohibited goods: Licence required for, among others, weapons, certain chemicals, medicines, live animals; bans under international agreements (e.g. species protection).

Typical import documents

Commercial invoice
Packing list
Bill of Lading or CMR consignment note
ASYCUDA import declaration
Certificate of origin (for preferences)
Import permits depending on goods

Typical export documents

Commercial invoice
Packing list
ASYCUDA export declaration
Certificate of origin (COMESA/SADC)
Export permit (minerals/copper)

Logistics conditions

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

Trade

Top import partners

South Africa China United Arab Emirates India Tanzania

Top export partners

China Switzerland South Africa Congo, Democratic Republic of the United Arab Emirates

Top import goods

Petroleum products
Machinery
Vehicles
Fertilisers
Chemicals

Top export goods

Copper
Cobalt
Electricity
Tobacco
Sugar

Typical cargo

Copper and copper cathodes
Cobalt
Minerals and ores
Fuels
Machinery and vehicles
Fertilisers

Latest logistics news

Smart Corridors Instead of Paperwork: Five Countries Connect Their Customs Data10 Sept 2026
Five countries in southern Africa are planning direct customs data exchange. Freight data is to be available at the border before truck arrival.

Logistics questions

What VAT rate applies to imports into Zambia?

The standard rate is 16 percent (ZRA). Basic foodstuffs are zero-rated, while financial, education and health services are exempt.

Does Zambia have its own seaport?

No, Zambia is landlocked. Sea freight is routed via the ports of Dar es Salaam, Durban, Beira, Walvis Bay and Lobito in neighbouring states. Its only own port is Mpulungu on Lake Tanganyika (inland shipping).

Which customs system does Zambia use?

The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) processes imports and exports electronically via ASYCUDA World. The tariff follows COMESA/SADC with bands of 0, 5, 15 and 25 percent.

Which preferential agreements can I use for Zambia?

Zambia is a member of COMESA and SADC; preferences are possible with a certificate of origin. AfCFTA is being implemented. EUR.1 does not apply.

Which transport corridors matter most for Zambia?

The Dar es Salaam corridor (road and TAZARA railway) carries about 60 percent of copper exports. Other key routes are the North-South corridor to Durban and the corridors via Beira, Walvis Bay and Lobito.

What are Zambia's main export goods?

Copper and copper cathodes dominate exports, supplemented by cobalt and other minerals. The main buyers are China and Switzerland (copper trade).

Full logistics profile on Freight Academy ↗