Shipping from Dubai to ZambiaShipping from Dubai to Zambia, by air and sea.
Airlift Logistics, a freight forwarder in Dubai Airport Free Zone, arranges shipping from Dubai to Zambia for businesses. Zambia is landlocked, so we ship sea freight from Jebel Ali to Dar es Salaam, Durban or Walvis Bay with road transit, and fly air cargo from DXB to Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka. We check Zambia Revenue Authority and ZABS requirements before your cargo leaves.
Business cargo only. Airlift Logistics ships commercial goods for importers, exporters, traders and manufacturers, with a commercial invoice and a registered consignee. We do not handle personal boxes, household effects or door-to-door parcels.
Dubai to Zambia at a glance
Zambia is landlocked. Containers land at a coastal port and travel inland by road; urgent cargo flies to Lusaka.
- Air
- DXB to Lusaka (LUN)
- Sea
- Via a coastal port plus road
- Customs
- Zambia Revenue Authority
- VAT
- 16% on imports
Airports and seaports in Zambia we ship to
The Copperbelt mining region is a major destination for machinery and project cargo.
| Gateway | Type | Code | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport | LUN | Lusaka, the main air gateway | |
| Seaport (Tanzania) | TZDAR | Shortest sea route from the Gulf | |
| Seaport (South Africa) | ZADUR | Southern corridor | |
| Seaport (Namibia) | NAWVB | Western corridor |
Air, sea to Zambia
| Mode | Route | Typical timing | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| DXB to LUN | About 1 to 3 days, plus clearance | Mining parts, electronics, urgent goods | |
| Sea and road | Jebel Ali to Dar es Salaam, then truck via Nakonde | Several weeks door to door | Machinery, materials, stock |
| Southern corridors | Via Durban or Walvis Bay, then road | Several weeks door to door | Alternatives when the north is congested |
Airlines flying direct from Dubai to Zambia
- Emirates SkyCargo
Border and port conditions change; we compare corridors for each booking. Work out the billed weight with our chargeable weight calculator or the CBM calculator.
Customs in Zambia: what the importer needs
Zambian importers clear goods with the Zambia Revenue Authority through a licensed clearing agent; transit is bonded.
| Item | In Zambia |
|---|---|
| Customs authority | Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), Customs |
| Declaration | Electronic declaration on ASYCUDA World |
| Importer registration | Taxpayer Identification Number (TPIN) |
| Duty and tax | Duty by tariff, plus 16% VAT and other levies |
| Trade agreement | No UAE-Zambia trade agreement in force that we can confirm |
Transit through Tanzania, South Africa or Namibia uses customs bonds.
Approvals to check before booking
Some products need Zambian standards approval before release.
- 01
Regulated products must meet Zambia Bureau of Standards requirements.
- 02
Medicines
Medicines need ZAMRA approval.
- 03
Food and plants
Food and agricultural goods need permits.
- 04
Mining equipment
Heavy equipment needs route and permit planning.
- 05
Cargo moves under bond through neighbouring countries.
- 06
Matching documents
Transit and import papers must match.
Documents for shipping to Zambia
Send these with your booking. Transit documents are prepared for the chosen corridor.
| Document | Why it is needed |
|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | Customs value, parties and HS codes |
| Packing list | Pieces, weights and marks for inspection |
| Transport contract and cargo release | |
| Exit clearance from the UAE, filed by us | |
| For the chosen corridor | |
| Certificate of origin | Supports the origin declared |
Restricted or banned in Zambia
- Medicines without approval
- Counterfeit goods
- Weapons without a permit
- Narcotics
- Regulated goods without standards approval
Check ZRA and ZABS rules for your product before shipping.
What UAE businesses ship to Zambia
Dubai supplies Zambian businesses, especially in mining, construction and trading.
- 01
Mining equipment
Machinery and spare parts for the Copperbelt.
- 02
Electronics
IT and telecom equipment.
- 03
Consumer goods
Trading stock in containers.
Dubai to Zambia shipping questions, answered
Last updated ·
See all shipping questionsGet a quote for this laneIt depends on congestion, cost and the delivery point. Dar es Salaam is the shortest sea route from the Gulf, with road transit through the Nakonde border. Durban and Walvis Bay offer southern and western corridors. We compare current conditions and quote the best door-to-door option.
- Copperbelt cargo often goes north.
- Air to Lusaka is fastest.
No, transit cargo does not pay Tanzanian duty. It moves from Dar es Salaam under a customs transit bond and is cleared only when it enters Zambia. The Zambia Revenue Authority then charges duty, 16% VAT and other levies. Transit papers must match the cargo exactly.
- Bonds are released on arrival.
- Delays add storage costs.
Yes, with route and permit planning. Heavy and oversized machinery travels by sea to a coastal port, then by road on low-bed trailers under transit. Permits for abnormal loads may be needed in each country crossed. We plan the route and equipment before booking.
- Allow extra time for permits.
- Flat racks suit large items.
Zambia charges 16% VAT on most imports. It is collected by the Zambia Revenue Authority at clearance, on the value plus duty. Other levies may apply depending on the goods. The importer needs a TPIN, and a licensed clearing agent files the declaration on ASYCUDA World.
- Some mining inputs have reliefs.
- Confirm with the agent.