International Shipping to and from Ethiopia (ETH) | Air & Sea Freight

Bill of Lading or Airway Bill: Proof of shipment, providing detailed information on the goods, mode of transport, and carrier.

Unique Consignment Reference (UCR) Number: A tracking number required for customs clearance.

Commercial Invoice: Provides the value and description of the goods, used for calculating import duties and taxes.

Packing List: Describes the contents, packaging, and weight of the shipment.

Import Declaration Form (CDF): Required by Ethiopian Customs and must be completed before the goods arrive in the country.

Tax Identification Number (TIN): Ethiopian businesses must have a valid TIN for customs declarations.

Import Duty and VAT Receipts: Proof of payment for duties, taxes, and VAT is required for customs clearance.

Certificate of Conformity (CoC): Goods must comply with Ethiopian standards, and a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) issued by accredited inspection agencies such as Bureau Veritas or Intertek is mandatory. This applies to items like electronics, machinery, and vehicles.

Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI): A Pre-Shipment Inspection is required for goods entering Ethiopia to verify quality, quantity, and compliance with local standards. Intertek and Bureau Veritas are authorized to issue this certification.

Standards and Safety Certificates: Specific product categories, such as electrical goods, industrial machinery, and vehicles, require certification from Bureau Veritas or Intertek to ensure compliance with Ethiopian regulations.

Product Test Reports: Depending on the product, testing may be required to confirm that goods comply with Ethiopia’s safety and quality standards, especially for electronic and chemical products. Intertek often provides these reports.

Phytosanitary Certificate: Required for agricultural products and plant-based items to confirm compliance with Ethiopia’s environmental standards.

Health Certificates: Necessary for importing foodstuffs and pharmaceutical products to ensure they meet Ethiopian health regulations.

Dangerous Goods Certificate: For hazardous materials, a Dangerous Goods Certificate is required, ensuring compliance with international regulations. Intertek and Bureau Veritas offer guidance on hazardous materials certifications.

Vehicle Certification: Vehicles require a Certificate of Conformity, confirming that they meet Ethiopian emission standards and roadworthiness criteria.

At Yes2Ship, the best shipping methods for sending goods to and from Ethiopia include air freight and sea freight. Air freight is ideal for urgent or time-sensitive deliveries, while sea freight is more suited for larger shipments, such as personal effects or household goods. We provide door-to-port delivery services for both air and sea freight, ensuring your belongings are safely transported to and from Ethiopia.

Yes2Ship offers flexible shipping solutions, including Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) options for sea freight, making it ideal for shipping large or small volumes of personal belongings.

For shipments to and from Ethiopia, transit times depend on the shipping method and destination location:

• Air Freight: Typically, faster, with shipments taking around 5-10 business days to reach Addis Ababa Bole International Airport from the UK, depending on the service and location.
• Sea Freight: This is more economical but takes longer, with transit times averaging around 6-8 weeks for full delivery to the port of Djibouti, followed by overland transport into Ethiopia, depending on port schedules and the destination.

Yes2Ship provides regular shipment updates, ensuring you know the status of your shipment throughout the process.

The cost of shipping to and from Ethiopia depends on several factors, including the size and weight of the shipment, the method of transport (air or sea freight), and any additional services such as door-to-port delivery or packing materials. At Yes2Ship, we offer competitive rates tailored to your specific shipping needs. For air freight, prices are typically based on weight and volume, while sea freight costs are influenced by container size (FCL or LCL).

When shipping goods to and from Ethiopia, customs regulations and import/export duties vary based on the type of goods being shipped. Personal effects are often subject to different regulations than commercial goods.

Yes2Ship helps you navigate customs regulations and duties in the UK, including providing guidance on necessary export documentation. However, we do not handle customs procedures or duties within Ethiopia, and we recommend consulting local authorities or a customs broker for assistance at the destination port.

Ethiopia has restrictions on certain items that cannot be imported or exported. Prohibited items include firearms, explosives, illegal drugs, and certain endangered species products. Yes2Ship can provide a detailed list of restricted or prohibited items to ensure compliance with Ethiopia’s shipping regulations.

Restricted items such as liquor, tobacco, and luxury goods may require special permits or additional documentation for customs clearance. Yes2Ship helps you avoid delays by ensuring all necessary paperwork is completed correctly for export from the UK.

At Yes2Ship, we prioritize the security of your shipment by offering:

• Professional packing materials to safeguard your personal belongings during transit.
• Door-to-port delivery, ensuring seamless handling from pickup to the destination port.
• Regular updates throughout the shipping process, so you’re always informed.

While we handle all necessary export declarations from the UK, we recommend confirming any required customs documents and procedures at the destination port in Ethiopia, as we do not assist with customs clearance within Ethiopia. With Yes2Ship, you can trust that your personal effects will arrive safely, giving you peace of mind during the shipping process.