New rules for poultry imports

The Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia (LLPBN) has officially revised the rules governing the import and export of poultry. Effective 1 April 2026, the government has cancelled previous import restrictions and replaced them with a new “market share” system that requires all traders to operate under strict quotas.

This change follows the repeal of Government Notice No. 54 of 2020. According to Acting CEO Goliath Tujendapi, the new framework, known as the Poultry Market Share Promotion Scheme (PMSS), is now a mandatory condition for obtaining any poultry trade permit in Namibia.

Mandatory requirements for traders

The new system is not optional; it is a legal requirement under the Livestock and Livestock Products Act. The LLPBN has outlined four critical steps that all importers and producers must follow immediately:

• Strict import quotas: Almost all poultry products entering the country are now capped by a quota. Only specific products explicitly approved by the LLPBN Board are exempt.
• New permit process: A valid import permit from the LLPBN is required for every shipment. These will only be granted to those who remain within their assigned quota.
• Compulsory registration: Importers can no longer bring in goods without a “producer number”. To obtain one, businesses must register with the LLPBN and comply with new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Local producer enrolment: Namibian farmers who wish to participate in the promotion scheme must register their interest and demonstrate that their facilities meet national veterinary and health standards.

Health and safety standards

The board emphasised that while trade rules have changed, safety standards remain unchanged. All poultry must still comply with the Animal Health Act. This includes obtaining veterinary import permits, passing quality control checks, and paying all applicable government levies.

The LLPBN is urging any producers or traders who are unsure of their status to contact its Windhoek headquarters. The Board is located at the Agricultural Boards Building, 30 David Hosea Meroro Road.

For direct enquiries, stakeholders can call 061 275 840 or email the team at [email protected]. These new regulations are now in full effect, and non-compliance may lead to delays or the rejection of import applications.