Import/Export

Miscellaneous

For charges made for Export Shipments from United Kingdom to the destination country or territory, please refer to Brokerage Services and Charges-Export Shipments with United Kingdom as the destination.

Driving Licenses

Valid Driving Licenses can be shipped as documents. The description must clearly state 'driving license'. Shipping driving licenses require the approval of the UK customs authorities. A delay of minimum one day has to be calculated.

Please check the import related information if driving licenses are allowed for importation.

Mobile phones to all destinations from United Kingdom can be delayed on export due to security checks from government bodies.

MSDS-NON DG

Goods under IATA Special Provisions A67 require a MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet).

It is not required for all, however shipments can be held by local authority in United Arab Emirates after screening due to lack of MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) or NON DG (Dangerous Goods) declaration letter from the shipper resulting to misconnections and impacting end-to-end service.

It would be advisable for all shipments originating, transiting and terminating for UAE to have MSDS or NON DG declaration from shipper enclosed in the shipment and copies to be uploaded in IDIS.

SED-(New Electronic Export System)

Export procedure ex United Kingdom

A formal electronic export declaration must be sent to customs authorities by the exporter or their representative. Customs authorities grant the release for export and issue an Export Accompanying Document (EAD) with a unique Movement Reference Number (MRN). UPS operated simplified procedures allowing export formalities to be completed upto 14 days after export.

Informal Declarations
An informal declaration is possible for shipments up to a national threshold. The informal declaration is based on the invoice value and is restricted to shipments not subject to prohibitions and restrictions (for example, embargo regulations) or special export procedures (for example, temporary export). The informal clearance will be done by UPS at the point of exit.

National Requirements
Shipments up to a value of 873.00 GBP can be declared informally on the basis of the invoice.

The EORI (European Union Registration and Identification) number needs to be included with the Invoice for any shipment with value exceeding 873.00 GBP. The EORI number can be obtained by the shipper using website link: www.gov.uk/EORI

UPS service
UPS offers the service to prepare export declarations on behalf of the exporter without additional fees.

Passports

Valid passports can be shipped as documents. The description must clearly state 'passport'. Shipping passports require the approval of the UK customs authorities. A delay of minimum one day has to be calculated.

Please check the import related information if passports are allowed for importation.

Clearance Comments

Military Shipments:
All military cargo with destinations outside of Bagram in Northern Afghanistan, must have a transportation memo issued to be dispatched with the shipment(s).

The memo must be arranged by the consignee in Afghanistan and must be on an offical DOD (Department of Defense) or DOA (Department of Army) letterhead.

If the enclosed invoice cost does not match with actual contents of the shipment, or if it could not satisfy the local customs staff, real cost will be issued on the shipment based on the local customs rule and regulations.

Post Office Boxes

Post Office Boxes:
UPS cannot deliver to a P.O. Box address. All packages require a consignee's contact name and complete street address including apartment, suite or unit number if applicable. The consignee's telephone number should be provided if known.

Commercial (for example,non military) shipments are only delivered to Kabul.For packages addressed to other towns/cities in Afghanistan,the consignee is contacted and they are asked either to collect from the Kabul office or supply/authorise delivery to an alternate address in Kabul.

Post Office Boxes:
UPS cannot deliver to a P.O. Box address. All packages require a consignee's contact name and complete street address including apartment, suite or unit number if applicable. The consignee's telephone number should be provided if known.

Rest Days:

Friday, Saturday, and official holidays.

International Organizations and Embassies are off Friday and Saturday.

GMT:

Spring +0450/ Fall +0450

Language:

Dari, Pushto

Currency:

Afghani(AFA), US Dollar(USD)

Shipping Charges

• Shipping charges can be billed to the shipper, receiver or a third party.
• When billing the receiver, either the shipper or receiver's account number is required.
• When billing to a third party, the third party's name, country or territory and account number are required.

Duties and Taxes

• Duties and taxes can be billed to the shipper, receiver or a third party.
• When billing a third party, the third party's name, country or territory and account number are required.
• If the duties and taxes are billed to an account outside of the destination country or territory, a "Duty and Tax Forwarding" surcharge will be applied.

Third-Party Billing

• Please note the following third party billing exceptions:
  • Shipments to and from the same country or territory (domestic shipments) cannot be billed to third party payors in other countries or territories. For example, shipments from Mexico to Mexico or Canada to Canada cannot be billed to a third party payor in the U.S. This rule does not apply to UPS domestic services in European Union countries or territories as well as to UPS domestic services in the United Kingdom.For example, shipments from Germany to Germany can be billed to a third party payor in the U.S. (as long as the payor is a business and has a VAT or Tax/EIN ID on file with UPS).

Payment Methods

• When paying by credit card, check, or cash, only the shipper can be billed the shipping charges.

There are special stipulations on the following commodities when shipping to Afghanistan. If you plan to ship one of the commodities listed below, be sure to adhere to the following stipulations in order to avoid delays and holds at customs.

Bank Cards

Bank Cards which are requested to be sent out of the United Kingdom should be declared for referral to HMRC and await their approval to send.

CD Roms

An invoice is required on all shipments containing a CD-Rom/Disk. Invoice should indicate the value of the Recording Media (eg. CDR/DVD) & the Intellectual/statistical value of the software/data separately

Passports

Passports which are requested to be sent out of the United Kingdom should be declared for referral to HMRC and await their approval to send.

Samples

Samples are considered to be business items free of customs tax if the value is under 5,000 AFN (US$100.00), but laboratory tests will be done on it, and laboratory fees will be charged to the consignee. After the test, it will be decided if prohibited by the laws of Afghanistan and/or Islam or not.

Shipment value amount:

5000.00 Afghani AFA

Shipment type:

individual-to-individual

Exemption rule:

per person

Invoice

Non-document shipments to Afghanistan must include 1 original and 2 copies of an invoice.

At least one original Invoice needs to accompany the shipment.

Shipments of documents and gift shipments do not require an invoice.

The original Invoice must be stamped and signed by the shipper to satisfy Customs in Afghanistan.

The consignee's valid local address, telephone number, mobile number and email address should appear on the invoice to avoid delays.

If the value of the Invoice exceeds 74.00 USD, the Invoice should be:

1) Original and stamped from shipper

2) A full description of goods and a Harmonized Tariff Code should be mentioned.

3) At least one original Invoice needs to accompany the shipment

4) In addition, a Certificate of Origin and a Packing List will be required as well as Export customs declaration form from origin country or territory (signed and stamped) and Payment transfer receipt between the consignee and shipper.Payment transfer receipt between the consignee and shipper.

5) Freight forwarding invoice (Bill / Invoice that was paid to the airfreight forwarder), signed and stamped, if available but not mandatory to process clearance process.

A document in Afghanistan is considered to be any item which contains information on paper, card, or carton, including pictures or photographs. A document cannot hold information or represent Islam in a negative fashion. It also cannot be prohibited.

Airline Tickets

Validated airline tickets only.

Annual Reports

Must be for shareholders or for intercompany use only.

Bids

Blueprints

Must be for intercompany use or a bid invitation (such as architectural plans to obtain a contract) and have no commercial value.

Business Cards

Document limit: up to 15 business cards

Checks (Non-negotiable checks)

Must be personalized checks.

Credit Cards

Personalized credit cards.

Diplomas

Drivers License

Event Tickets

Tickets for events like stage performances, football matches or concerts can be sent as documents provided the weight of each package does not exceed 5 kgs.

Event tickets coming from a printing company and sent to the organizer of the event or ticket sales offices can not be sent as documents.

Examination Papers

Gift Cards

Plastic magnetic cards (similar to credit cards) with a specific value assigned/debited to the card to purchase food, goods, or other merchandise typically relating to only one specific business or retailer. Only up to 5 gift cards can be considered documents

Greeting Cards, Invitations

Must be personalized to be considered documents. Non-personalized greeting cards and invitations are considered non-documents and require an invoice.

Manuals (Technical)

The number of manuals must be appropriate for the purpose.

Negatives

Must be negatives, slides, or printing films being sent to press or publishing agencies. If the value includes press or editorial charges, the items are considered non-documents and require an invoice.

Newsletters (Company)

Document: intercompany shipments for intercompany use with no commercial value. Non-document: shipments from a publisher or printing company

Newspapers

Must be for non-commercial purposes.

Stationery

Must be personalized stationery and have no commercial value. The amount (number of pieces) must be appropriate for non-commercial use.

Traveler's Checks

Must be personalized to be considered documents.

Visa Applications

UPS can recommend which forms you need based on a few simple criteria. Forms can be completed online or printed. See which forms you need.

In addition to the prohibited commodities listed here, it is prohibited to ship the following commodities to Afghanistan.

Alcoholic Beverages

The import of all alcoholic beverages are strictly forbidden. Shipments containing alcoholic beverages should not be exported but held at the origin site because of penalties and fines.

Antiques

Antique shipments are restricted from Europe, the Middle East and Africa and can only be shipped with an International Special Commodities (ISC) contract. Antiques are defined as a work of art, piece of furniture, decorative object, or silverware that is 100 years old or older.

Art and Artwork

Art and artwork which are prohibited by Islamic law cannot be imported into Afghanistan.

Artwork

Artwork shipments are restricted from Europe, the Middle East and Africa and can only be shipped with an International Special Commodities (ISC) contract.

Paintings or other works of art can be accepted if the artist is still alive, the artwork is replaceable and an art dealer or gallery has appraised the artwork within the last year. If the declared value of the artwork is greater than $100.00 and there is a claim, the shipper must provide a copy of the original invoice, a bill of sale, or other proof certifying in writing the actual cost or replacement cost of the item.

Artwork includes the following: Original engravings, prints, lithographs, original sculptures, statuary.

The term "Artwork" does not apply to: architectural, engineering, industrial, topographical, commercial drawings, hand-painted or hand-decorated manufactured articles.

Books

Books which are prohibited by Islamic law cannot be imported into Afghanistan.

CDs

CDs which are prohibited by Islamic law cannot be imported into Afghanistan. The content of the CD must be clearly stated on the invoice (for example, intercompany data, music with interpreter, author and title, software program). Shipments containing CD's with an inadequate description will be rejected or returned.

Metals, Non-Precious

Importation of non-precious metals is prohibited into Afghanistan if:

• Metals being used as,or part of anything armoured, Weapons/Ammunition
• Any metals destined for a museum or considered an artifact

The Customs officials might question any given shipment containing non-precious metal and inquire about its final use.

Miscellaneous

Pictures and statues which are prohibited by Islamic law cannot be imported into Afghanistan.

Import of Artificial Christmas Trees

Please note if the shipment is for the military base then nothing is required, as there are no customs at Military Bases.

If the shipment is for the Kabul commercial side then it is consider as non docs which requires Invoice. Please see Invoice Requirements for more information.

Mobile Telephones

Mobile phones to all destination countries from United Kingdom can be delayed on export due to security checks from government bodies.

Narcotics

Importation of Narcotics is prohibited into Afghanistan.

Personal Effects

Personal Effects cannot be shipped between these countries or territories

Precious Metals

Importation of precious metals/stones such as Gold, Silver, Diamonds, etc. is prohibited.

Weapons

Weapons and ammunition can not be imported into Afghanistan, unless special authorization is granted.

Saturday Delivery Available: Yes

Not available in all areas. Always check the international time in transit system for details of service availability within a country or territory.

Always check Calculate Time and Cost for details of service availability and guarantee information within a country or territory. All Service Levels may not be available to or from every address within a country or territory.

United Kingdom to Afghanistan

• UPS Worldwide Expedited
  ((England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland))

• UPS Worldwide Express Saver

• WorldWide Economy DDU

Military Shipments

The following Military Bases will incur truck charges:

Kandahar-Camp Wilson, Shah Wali Kot, Garmser/Dwyer, Maywand, Delaram, Ramrod, Ghecko, Lagman, Apache/Smart, Qalat, Lindsey, Lundell, Jelawar, Rath,Hawz e Madad, Warrior, Camp Rushmore, Heart, Wolverine, Shindad, Tarin Kowet and Walton.

Forwarded from Bagram:

Camp Eggers, Shank, Camp Marmal, Airborne, Altimur, Camp Blackhorse, Camp Clark, Camp Dubbs, Camp Lightening, Camp Morehead, Camp Rushmore, Camp Spann, Camp Four Corner and Gamberi.

Outward Processing (after repair)

Outward Processing Relief (goods exported from the UK for the purpose of repair)

The outward processing relief starts with the export from the UK and will be discharged with the re-importation of the repaired goods. Both steps need to be identified by UPS export or import operation. Repair Goods: Goods requiring Export from the UK for repair Invoice requirements:

• Statement stating "Goods being sent for repair under Outward Processing Relief" should be clearly marked on the commercial invoice
• Provide serial number of goods being sent for repair. If the goods are not serialized a statement to this effect must be made on the commercial invoice
• Exporters authorized to export under OPR must include their authority number on all paperwork
• Provide correct commercial value of goods as originally paid for not a nominal value for the goods.

Failure to provide any of the above information will result in shipments being delayed.

Repaired goods: Goods being re-exported returned after repair in the UK Invoice requirements:

• Invoice should clearly state "Goods have been repaired under IPR"
• Provide either IP authorization number or Import entry details
• Provide full commercial value of goods plus cost of repair

Failure to provide any of the above information will result in shipments being delayed.

Solid Wood Packing Material

New requirements have been implemented for small package shipments and are based on the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) 15, which is entitled "Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade". ISPM 15 was adopted internationally in 2002, and is gradually being introduced by countries or territories worldwide. Wood or wood products covered by ISPM 15 include items such as packing cases, boxes, crates, drums or similar packing, pallets, box pallets and other load boards, pallet collars and skids, but exclude such processed woods as orientated strand board, particle board, plywood or veneer, created using glue, heat and pressure or a combinations thereof, and, raw wood which is 6mm or less thick. It is recommended that if a question arises on this issue, please check with the authority that issues the Phytosanitary certificates in your country or territory.

Import value limits to Afghanistan

Low Value Shipments

Private Shipments

• 5000.00 Afghani (AFA)

Value Limits (example, value below which tax/duty not charged) - Duties start at US$100.00 (5000.00 Afghanis)

Commercial Shipments

• 5000.00 Afghani (AFA)

Value Limits (example, value below which tax/duty not charged) - Duties start at US$100.00 (5000.00 Afghanis)

Maximum weight:

70 kg (150 lbs.) per package

Maximum length:

150.00 cm (59.1 in.)  per package

Maximum dimensions:

400.00 cm (157.5 in.)  per package
Length and girth combined

Convert metric quantity for weight, length, and area.