Step by Step: How to Export Agricultural Products
To export agricultural products from Malawi, begin by registering your business with the relevant authorities, such as the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC). Ensure compliance with export regulations by obtaining necessary licenses or permits, which may vary depending on the specific agricultural product. Adhere to quality standards set by the Malawi Bureau of Standards, which may involve obtaining certifications like the Export Quality Certification Scheme to ensure your products meet both local and international quality requirements. Prepare all required export documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin, to facilitate customs clearance. Additionally, be aware of any specific requirements in the destination country, such as import permits or phytosanitary certificates, to ensure a smooth export process.
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Step 1
Malawi Business Registration System (MBRS)
• Visit the Malawi Business Registration System (MBRS) website and create an account using your national ID number.
• Log in to your account and complete the online application form for business registration.
• Pay the required registration fees online through the provided payment options.
• Submit the application and wait for approval from the relevant authorities.
• Once approved, receive a notification and download the registration certificate in PDF format from your account.
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Step 2
Malawi Revenue Authority
• Download and complete the taxpayer registration form from the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) website or obtain it from an MRA office.
• Submit the completed form along with supporting documents, such as the business registration certificate, owner’s identification (e.g., national ID or passport), and proof of business address.
• The MRA verifies the submitted information and may request additional details if necessary.
• Once the registration is approved, the MRA issues a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), which is required for tax compliance and correspondence with the authority.
• Registration for taxes is free of charge.
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Step 3
Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Water Development
• Fill out the Phytosanitary Application Form, providing detailed information about the consignment intended for export.
• Submit the completed form to the Department of Agricultural Research & Technical Services (DARS) under the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Water Development.
• DARS will review the submitted application to ensure all required information is provided and accurate.
• If the application is complete, DARS will assign an inspector to examine the agricultural products intended for export.
• The assigned inspector will conduct a thorough inspection of the products to verify their compliance with phytosanitary standards.
• Based on the inspection results:
• If the products meet the required standards, DARS will issue the phytosanitary certificate, authorizing the export.
• If the products do not meet the standards, they will be quarantined, and necessary measures will be taken to address the issues identified.
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Step 4
MRA Customs
• Request the appropriate export forms from the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA).
• Identify the type of export:
• For goods valued at less than MWK 500,000, complete Form 38 (Minor Exports).
• For goods valued at more than MWK 500,000, complete Form 12.
• For Temporary Exportation, complete Form 48.
• Present the completed forms to Customs officers for processing.
• Customs officers will inspect the goods to ensure compliance with export regulations.
• If the goods meet all requirements, an export permit will be issued.
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