Why this Matters
Some exports from Lesotho require a national Export Certificate and, depending on the product, sector‑specific permits/certificates such as Phytosanitary, Veterinary Export Health Certificates, or Kimberley Process Certificates (rough diamonds). These accompany your ASYCUDA World export declaration (EX1 or EX3) and are checked by customs at border offices.
Institution Role Ministry of Trade / OBFC (Import & Export section) Issues/stamps Export Certificate; front‑office for trader services. Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL – Customs & Excise) Operates ASYCUDA World; export processing; endorsements; contact centers. Ministry of Agriculture, Food Safety and Nutrition (MAFSN) Plant Protection & Quarantine (Phytosanitary); Department of Livestock Services (Veterinary exports). Ministry of Mining – Department of Mines (Diamond Control Office) Kimberley Process Certificate issuance for rough diamonds.
The Export Certificate is a baseline national document. eRegulations shows official steps including stamping at the Import & Export section and customs endorsement before border processing.
Step Required documents (typical) Fees (as listed) Where / outcome Step 1: Apply & obtain stamp Export certificate form + company details; invoice/packing list (as requested). Not explicitly listed online. Stamp at Import & Export (Trade/OBFC) Step 2: Assessment / proceed-to-border notice As above + any product permits (SPS/sectoral). — You receive an assessment/proceed notice (per eRegs guidance). Step 3: Customs endorsement Stamped export certificate + export SAD (EX1/EX3). — Customs clearance office endorses → then lodge at border.
Step Required documents (typical) Conditions / notes Where / outcome Step 1: Apply Application form; export consignment details; importing‑country plant health requirements (as applicable). Certificate is consignment‑specific; conditions vary by destination. Plant Protection & Quarantine – contact via eRegs Step 2: Inspection & issuance Inspection/treatment evidence (if required). Issued when requirements are met; bring original to customs. Attach to EX1/EX3 and present at the border.
Step Required documents (typical) Conditions / notes Where / outcome Step 1: Apply Application form; veterinary attestations; proof of origin. Destination‑driven requirements; validity typically per consignment. Department of Livestock Services – info Step 2: Inspection & issuance Inspection/testing as required. Certificate issued if compliant; present original at customs. Attach to EX1/EX3 and present at the border.
Step Required documents (typical) Fees (as listed) Where / outcome Step 1: Apply for KPCS Application with stone details; proof of lawful origin; valuation documents. Not published online (check with authority). Ministry of Mining – Diamond Control Office Step 2: Issuance & use KPCS issued by competent authority. Consignment‑specific; mandatory for export. Attach to export SAD; present at border.
While not permits, origin proofs unlock tariff preferences and are often required by buyers/authorities. RSL’s Rules of Origin guide and EU Access2Markets explain EUR.1/REX under the EU‑SADC EPA; AGOA apparel requires an export visa.
Preference / destination Typical evidence Plain‑language headline Helpful link SADC (intra‑regional) SADC Certificate of Origin Meet product‑specific rules (CTH/value rules). RSL – Rules of Origin guide EU (EU‑SADC EPA) EUR.1 (or REX self‑certification where applicable) Apparel benefits from single transformation; other goods use CTH/value rules. EU Access2Markets – SADC EPA U.S. (AGOA apparel) AGOA export visa Visa + AGOA apparel RoO (third‑country fabric for LDCs incl. Lesotho). AGOA apparel RoO (agoa.info)
You need to… Why Where Attach export permits/certificates to EX1/EX3 Required to release controlled goods and evidence of SPS/KP compliance. ASYCUDA World submission with RSL. Carry originals to border Border may require originals for inspection/stamping. Border customs. Ensure details match (permit ↔ invoice ↔ packing/transport docs) Discrepancies trigger holds/queries. RSL selectivity. Follow eRegs export certificate flow Stamp → assessment → customs endorsement → border. eRegs – Obtain an export certificate
Fees: not consistently published online for the export certificate or sectoral permits; check with the issuing office at application.
Processing times: depend on document completeness and inspections; apply before shipment to avoid delays.
Validity: Phytosanitary/Veterinary certificates are typically consignment‑specific; KPCS accompanies each rough‑diamond shipment.
Helpful Links
Wrong customs regime;
HS misclassification;
Missing previous-doc link on re-exports;
missing proof-of-export for VAT zero-rating;
Expired permits;
Missing origin evidence when claiming preferences.
All flagged in the LTIP – workflow .
