Why this Matters
Certain goods entering Lesotho require import permits or licences issued by the competent authority (usually the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Business Development (MTIBD) or the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition (MAFSN)). Importers must also be registered with Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL) and set up on ASYCUDA World to lodge import declarations. Doing this properly avoids delays and penalties at the border.
Before You Start (first-time importer checklist)
Set up these basics before applying for any permit or lodging an import declaration.
| What to set up | Why it matters | Where to do it |
| RSL registration & ASYCUDA World (Declarant account) | Required to lodge import declarations and attach permits electronically. | RSL – Guide on e‑Payments / e‑Services |
| Trader’s / Business licence | Required for commercial importing activity. | OBFC – Lesotho eLicenses |
| Know your commodity’s controls | Some goods need Trade or Agriculture permits (plus SPS/health). | Lesotho Trade Information Portal – Guide to Import |
| Check step‑by‑step procedures | See the exact forms, document list and where to file. | eRegulations – Import permit (generic) |
What Needs an Import Permit?
Lesotho applies product‑specific controls. The issuing authority depends on your commodity.
Snap‑Map of Typical Categories of Products which Require Import Permits
| Product category (examples) | Typical issuing authority | Notes / reference |
| Clothing, tyres, vehicles, raw materials for footwear & textiles | MTIBD – via OBFC | Lesotho Trade Information Portal – Guide to Import |
| Livestock & livestock products; pullets & day‑old chicks; bees | MAFSN – Department of Livestock Services | eRegs – Veterinary import permit |
| Milk & other dairy products | MAFSN – Livestock/Veterinary | Lesotho Trade Information Portal – Guide to Import |
| Fruits, vegetables, seeds, plants | MAFSN – Plant Protection & Quarantine | eRegs – Plant import permit |
| Petroleum fuels | Ministry of Natural Resources – Dept. of Energy | Lesotho Trade Information Portal – Guide to Import |
General Import Permit (MTSBD – OBFC) – Process and Documents
Many restricted goods require a Trade‑issued import permit. eRegulations provides a consolidated checklist and example form.
| Step | Required documents (typical) | Fees (as listed) | Where / outcome |
| Step 1: File application | Import permit application; Pro‑forma invoice; Company affidavit; Certified national ID; Certified trader’s licence (x2). | No fixed government fee listed on the generic page (agent/printing costs may apply). | Submit to Trade/OBFC desk |
| Step 2: Officer review | Originals/certified copies; completeness check. | — | Officer verifies details & eligibility against the product list. |
| Step 3: Approval & issuance | — | — | Permit printed, signed & stamped; collect original for customs. |
| Step 4: Use in customs | Attach permit to ASYCUDA import declaration. | — | RSL processes entry; non‑compliance may block release. |
Plant Import Permit (seeds, plants, produce) – Process and Conditions
Plant materials must meet phytosanitary rules. The permit spells out pre‑import conditions; you will also need a phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country.
| Step | Required documents (typical) | Conditions / notes | Where / outcome |
| Step 1: Apply for plant import permit | Application form; Phytosanitary certificate (copy) from exporting country; Permit to import fruits/vegetables (where applicable). | Authority may run a pest risk analysis; permit lists conditions to fulfill before import. | eRegs – Apply for plant import permit |
| Step 2: Permit issuance | — | Permit may specify origin limits, treatments, inspections; terms can change by risk. | Permit issued and collected; keep for customs. |
| Step 3: Border clearance | Permit + original phytosanitary certificate; other customs docs. | Non‑compliance can lead to hold/inspection/quarantine. | Present to RSL at the border with SAD import entry. |
Veterinary Import Permit (animals & animal products) – Process and Conditions
Meat, dairy, live animals, and animal products require a veterinary import permit and documentary proof of animal health/veterinary certification.
| Step | Required documents (typical) | Conditions / notes | Where / outcome |
| Step 1: Apply for international veterinary import permit | Application form; Permit to import meat (for meat); Veterinary certificate from exporting country; Tax clearance; ID. | Apply well ahead of shipment; some permits valid up to 6 months; inspection may be required. | eRegs – International veterinary import permit |
| Step 2: Issuance & conditions | — | Permit sets health requirements; consignment must meet veterinary rules. | Permit issued for use at customs. |
| Step 3: Border clearance | Permit + veterinary certificate + customs docs. | Non‑compliance can lead to quarantine or refusal. | Present to RSL at the border with import entry. |
Common Document Pack for Permit Applications (quick reference)
eRegulations lists the typical items requested across permit types.
| Document | Why it’s needed |
| Application form (relevant to permit type) | Formal request and commodity details. |
| Pro‑forma / Commercial invoice | Confirms supplier, value and description. |
| Business/trader licence (certified) & ID | Confirms legal importer and signatory. |
| Commodity‑specific certificates (phytosanitary, veterinary, etc.) | Substantiates SPS compliance. |
| Company affidavit / Tax clearance (where required) | Confirms legal/tax standing of the entity. |
Fees, Timelines and Validity:
- Fees: generic Trade import‑permit page does not show a fixed government fee; commodity‑specific permits may carry fees (pay on application/issuance).
- Processing times: depend on completeness and risk checks (e.g., plant pest risk analysis). Apply before the scheduled shipping date.
- Validity/renewal: many SPS permits specify a validity window (often up to 6 months) and may be consignment‑specific; read the conditions printed on your permit.
Where To Apply / Institutional Contact Points
| Office | Role | Link |
| MTIBD – OBFC | Front‑office for Trade‑issued import permits and business licensing. | OBFC – website |
| MAFSN – Plant Protection and Quarantine | Plant/seed/produce permits and conditions. | eRegs – Plant import permit |
| MAFSN — Department of Livestock Services | Veterinary permits for animals and animal products. | eRegs – Veterinary import permit |
| Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL) | Customs processing, ASYCUDA World, and e‑payments. | RSL – e‑Payments Guide |
How Permits Connect to Customs Clearance (at a glance)
Even with a valid permit, you must lodge a full import declaration in ASYCUDA World with all supporting documents attached.
| You need to… | Why | Where |
| Attach the permit to your SAD import entry | Permits are a pre‑condition for release of controlled goods. | RSL – Trading across borders (general) |
| Carry the original (for inspection) | Border officers may need to see originals & stamp copies. | Border customs. |
| Match details (permit ↔ invoice ↔ transport doc) | Discrepancies trigger queries/holds. | RSL selectivity & inspection. |
| Pay duties/charges via e‑payments where available | Speed and audit trail. | RSL – e‑Payments Guide |
Helpful Links
- eRegulations – Import permit (generic)
- eRegulations – Import permit step (requirements list)
- eRegulations – Plant import permit
- eRegulations – Apply for plant import permit (step)
- eRegulations – International veterinary import permit
- eRegulations – Apply for veterinary permit (step)
- RSL – Guide on e‑Payments (2025)