Southern Africa: Namibia, Russia to Share Customs Data to Improve Trade

What the report says

Namibia and Russia have agreed to exchange trade data and customs information as part of a wider effort to speed up goods clearance and curb customs violations, according to New Era, published via AllAfrica. The agreement was signed recently in Moscow during the Third Russia-Africa Summit by Namibia Revenue Agency Commissioner Sam Shivute and his Russian counterpart.

The draft arrangement creates a framework for cooperation between the two customs authorities. It would allow the two countries to share trade statistics, administrative assistance and information relevant to checking the value, classification and origin of goods. The goal is to help identify problems such as incorrect declarations and under-invoicing, while also making legitimate trade and transport move more smoothly across borders.

Shivute said the partnership should help NamRA improve customs clearance, reduce delays and learn from Russia’s customs experience, including training and technology use. He also said the exchange of knowledge could support better service for traders and strengthen work on advance rulings, product authenticity and rules of origin.

The article notes that the agreement includes confidentiality safeguards and allows either side to decline cooperation in some cases, including if national security or sovereignty could be affected. Full implementation will depend on the completion of required procedures in both countries.