Overview of Customs-Related Information by Country and Region (As of November 2025)

For international shipping, it is important to know the specific customs regulations and requirements of each country. Some countries are subject to special rules that are essential for a smooth shipping process. On this page, we have compiled an overview of the most important countries and regions where customs regulations play a significant role. This information will help you ensure that your shipments are processed correctly and that unwanted delays are avoided.

The countries are sorted by continent and listed alphabetically. This list is not exhaustive, but covers the most important countries with relevant customs requirements, with more detailed information and sources provided in the following sections.

Our MBE branches are available to provide comprehensive advice and detailed information on customs and shipping requirements. Here, you receive individual support to ship your consignments efficiently and without complications.

General information

Goods value and documents: In most countries, goods shipments require not only the freight document (e.g. air waybill), but also a commercial invoice, a packing list and, depending on the product and goods value, certificates of origin or import permits. Without complete documents, delivery may be refused or delayed.

EU single market: For goods shipments within the European Union (EU), customs duties generally do not apply. However, the goods must still comply with statutory product and tax regulations. For imports into the EU, the Single Administrative Document (SAD/H1) is the central customs declaration.

Brexit / United Kingdom: Since 1 January 2021, every movement of goods between Great Britain and the EU requires an export and import declaration. From 31 January 2025, additional security declarations (“Entry Summary Declarations”) are required for all imports from the EU into Great Britain. The accompanying documents must therefore be completed in full so that the goods can be delivered without delay. To avoid delays, the accompanying documents must be completed fully and correctly from this date onwards.

Embargoes and sanctions: Numerous countries are subject to comprehensive trade or arms embargoes. Strict export restrictions and licensing obligations apply to these countries (e.g. North Korea, Syria, Iran, Somalia and Crimea/Sevastopol). Many EU and US sanctions packages were expanded in 2024/25 (e.g. against Russia, Iran and Belarus) and may completely prohibit the shipment of certain goods.

Customs information for shipping – by continent and country

Africa

Angola

• Special customs regulations: Angola requires extensive documentation for commercial imports: commercial invoice, import customs declaration (Documento Único), customs value declaration, loading certificate (CNCA), import licence, packing list, terminal handling receipt and SOLAS certificate for containers. Proof of loading or shipment is mandatory. Food and pharmaceutical products are often subject to pre-inspections and laboratory tests. USPS lists prohibited shipments such as weapons, currency, literature threatening state security, radioactive materials and gambling devices.
• Shipping information: Parcels and pallets must bear the loading certificate number. Document shipments should describe the contents in detail. Value import limits apply to private customers. Permits are required for medical products and food.
• Import and export: Exports of certain goods (e.g. oil products, strategic raw materials) require export permits. Imported goods must be declared to customs and cleared; otherwise, severe penalties may apply.
• Private individuals: Weapons, money, precious metals and hazardous substances are prohibited. Parcels containing food, medicines or electrical devices may require permits.
• Companies: Companies must be registered with the CNCA and provide complete documentation. Missing documents cause delays. For imported goods above a certain value, registration in the national register is required, and advance payments (e.g. for customs duties) may be requested.

Egypt

• Special customs regulations: Egypt operates an Advanced Cargo Information system (ACI). For each shipment, the importer must report the data in advance via the Nafeza portal and obtain an ACID number. The commercial invoice, certificate of origin, packing list, bill of lading and, if applicable, a proforma invoice are mandatory. Missing documents lead to delays. List of prohibitions: Prohibited goods include coins, banknotes, precious metals, obscene material, perishable biological substances and radioactive materials. These items must not be transported.
• Shipping information: The ACID number must appear on the freight documents. Shipments without prior registration must not be loaded.
• Import and export: Exports may be subject to random checks. Import regulations provide for risk-based inspections and audit procedures.
• Private individuals: Value limits apply to gifts. Prohibited items (see above) must not be shipped.
• Companies: Companies must register in the Nafeza portal, apply for ACID numbers and ensure ACI compliance. Repeated violations may result in sanctions and refusal of delivery.

Eswatini (Swaziland)

• Special customs regulations: USPS lists prohibited goods such as weapons and ammunition, butane gas lighters, large quantities of cigarettes, currency, precious metals, diamonds, honey products, prison labour products and radioactive substances.
• Shipping information: Customs value information and recipient details should be correct. Duty-free allowances may apply to personal shipments; import licences are required for commercial shipments.
• Import and export: The export of sensitive goods (such as weapons and gold) is prohibited. Permits are required for the import of controlled goods, e.g. food or animal products.
• Private individuals: Weapons, precious metals or coins must not be shipped. Parcels above a certain value must be declared.
• Companies: For company-related imports, registration with the Customs & Excise Department may be required.

Libya

• Special customs regulations: Since 1 November 2024, all import shipments must be registered in the Libyan ACI system (Advance Cargo Information). Both the exporter and importer must register and obtain an ACI number before loading. Without an ACI number, shipment will not take place.
• Shipping information: Plant products, seeds, salt, saccharin, hunting weapons, sera and vaccines may only be imported with approval. Weapons (except sporting rifles), currency, precious metals, perishable infectious substances, radioactive materials, tea, salt and tobacco are prohibited.
• Import and export: Exports are subject to foreign exchange controls; many goods require export permits. Consumer goods may only be imported through officially registered importers.
• Private individuals: Shipping to Libya is restricted by sanctions. Consumers may only receive licence-free goods in small quantities; weapons, money and many foods are prohibited.
• Companies: Companies must be registered in the ACI portal and report all freight data. Without this registration, the goods will not be unloaded.

Somalia

• Special customs regulations: Import bans include pork and derivatives, frog meat, alcoholic beverages and narcotics, gambling devices, asbestos, drugs, plastic bags, publications against Islamic values, radioactive products, remote-controlled model aircraft, live pigs and products derived from them, food made from animal blood and advertising material for cigarettes.
• Shipping information: Weapons may only be imported with government approval. Radios and telephones may only be imported by the government. Cigarettes require official tax stamps.
• Import and export: The import of many goods is prohibited or heavily regulated for religious reasons. The export of foreign currency and high-value goods is restricted.
• Private individuals: Private parcel shipments should not contain prohibited food, alcohol or media with offensive content. The import of radios and telephones is prohibited.
• Companies: Permits from various Somali authorities are required for the import of regulated goods. Without them, the shipment will be confiscated.

South Africa, other African countries

For other countries (e.g. Nigeria, Ghana), no specific current shipping information is available. If required, the official customs websites of the respective countries should be consulted.