Ethiopia Importer of Record at a Glance:
Importer of Record
- Ethiopia has strict regulations on the transfer of ownership so your IOR should be knowledgeable about local-sale transactions
- Documentation pertaining to the sale and ownership of your equipment will require approval by the Bank of Ethiopia
- Electronic and telecommunications devices must receive a permit from the Ministry of Information
IT Shipping & Logistics
- Shipping and last-mile delivery is readily available and can be completed it within a working week
Importer of Record and Pre-Shipment Documentation
Importer of Record
Ethiopia has seen investments by large data centers in past years and may soon be a tech hub in the region. However, it’s uncommon for our clients to have a local entity in Ethiopia, and therefore they frequently utilize our Importer of Record service. If you are looking to import IT hardware into Ethiopia, FGX can complete the required permits and act as your Importer of Record.
Restrictions and Documentation
Having a third party act as your Importer of Record in Ethiopia is not enough. Because of financial protections and regulations, you must also take asset ownership into consideration. This requires a strong understanding of transfer and local-sale processes in Ethiopia. FGX can navigate the complex import process and assist you in clearing your shipment through Ethiopian customs.
Even after your Importer of Record has provided the proper ownership documentation and has satisfied local-sale requirements, you’ll still have to submit these documents to the Bank of Ethiopia for approval. Furthermore, for electronic devices and telecommunications equipment, you will need a permit from the Ministry of Information to clear customs.
IT Shipping & Logistics
While the documentation and approval process can be lengthy, shipping and delivery usually can be executed fairly quickly. The process of completing the necessary paperwork, acquiring the proper permits, and receiving approval from local entities can take up to a month and you should plan your projects accordingly. However, acquiring wide-bodied air freight and completing last-mile delivery should only take around one working week.
FGX manages all of our client’s shipments door-to-door (or door-to-datacenter). This case study showcases how we navigated IT logistics and importation into Ethiopia at the time that it was written. Regulations and challenges are constantly changing and exact shipping requirements may have changed. To learn more about FGX and how our global shipping platform can help your company, reach out here.
