Imports to Ethiopia require:
In July 2022, the GOE decentralized the import licensing process and delegated the authority to issue import licenses to regional state trade bureaus. Most regions have operationalized the new online import licensing process, although the new process remains unavailable in some regions due to structural issues such as poor Internet access. In addition to obtaining an import business license, importers must obtain an import registration number before bringing products into the country. Imports of food or drug items must receive additional certification from the Ethiopian Food and Drug Administration without regard to the risk of the food or drug product. Trading companies must submit a proposal to the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration (MOTRI) or regional authorities to obtain a currency exchange permit certificate, which includes obtaining a letter of credit for the total value of an import transaction and applying for an import permit, before placing an order. The new online process typically takes about 30 minutes after all required paperwork is provided. However, even with a letter of credit, import permits are not always granted, and there are often delays of several months or even over a year before an importer is allocated foreign exchange.
