Namibia tightens import controls on key vegetables for August

The Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB) has announced significant changes to import restrictions for horticultural products, effective from 1 to 31 August 2025. Several popular vegetables will face tighter border controls as part of efforts to protect the local market.

The latest notice, issued on 23 July 2025, introduces new restrictions under the Namibian Horticulture Market Share Promotion (MSP) Scheme, marking a shift from previous months’ policies.

Among the most notable changes, cocktail tomatoes and round tomatoes will be subject to a complete import ban during August. This is a substantial tightening compared to the 20% and 50% import allowances respectively that were permitted in July, and represents one of the strictest measures for tomato varieties in recent months.

Carrots will also face reduced access, moving from unrestricted importation to a 50% pro-rata limit. Similarly, English cucumbers will be restricted to 50% imports, up from 30% in July.



Complete closure

The following vegetables will be entirely closed to imports during August:

• Butternut (ongoing restriction)

• Cabbage (continuing closure)

• Onions (continuing restriction)

• Sweet potatoes (ongoing closure)

• Cocktail tomatoes (new restriction)

• Round tomatoes (new restriction)

• Spinach (continuing closure)



Limited import allowances

Several products will be subject to pro-rata import allowances:

• Carrots: 50% (new restriction)

• English cucumbers: 50% (increased from 30%)

• Coloured peppers: 30% (unchanged)

• Green peppers: 30% (unchanged)

• Jam tomatoes: 20% (unchanged)

• Iceberg lettuce: 30% (continuing from July)



Unrestricted products

Despite the tightened controls, several staple products remain open for unrestricted importation, subject to the standard 47% MSP levy. These include beetroot, gem squash, washed potatoes, pumpkins (newly unrestricted after being closed in July), watermelon, sweet melon, and sweetcorn.

The restrictions are enforced under the Agronomic Industry Act (Act No. 20 of 1992) and aim to support local producers during peak growing seasons. The 47% MSP applies to all unrestricted imports to help ensure local producers retain a competitive edge.

NAB Chief Executive Officer, Dr Fidelis Mwazi, emphasised in the notice that adjustments to the restrictions may occur during the month, and traders will be notified accordingly. Import permits and accompanying invoices must clearly state the size and type of product to comply with the new rules.



Industry impact

These evolving monthly restrictions reflect NAB’s responsive approach to balancing local agricultural protection with national food security needs. Traders and importers are advised to monitor NAB’s official updates regularly, as policies may change in response to local production conditions.

All existing exclusions mentioned in the regulations remain in place. Specific details are available in separate NAB documentation.

This announcement forms part of the NAB’s continued efforts to balance support for local farmers with ensuring adequate market supply. The board remains committed to its vision of being “a world-class regulator of a vibrant, diversified, and sustainable crop industry.”

For further information, traders can contact the NAB at +264 61 379 500 or visit www.nab.com. The NAB headquarters is located at 30 David Hosea Meroro Drive, Windhoek.