Step by Step: How to Export Cotton

To export cotton from Malawi, you must first submit an application to the Cotton Council indicating your intention to export. Once your application is reviewed and approved, you will be granted consent for export. Next, obtain a phytosanitary certificate from the Ministry of Agriculture’s Research Department to ensure the cotton meets international health standards. The Cotton Council will then provide a recommendation to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, which will use this recommendation to issue an export permit. For further assistance, you can contact the Cotton Council at their office in Lilongwe.

  1. 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.

    See Procedure

  2. 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.

     

    See Procedure

  3. Step 3

    Cotton Council

        •    Submit an application to the Cotton Council indicating your intention to export cotton.

        •    If approved, the Cotton Council will grant consent for the export.

        •    Obtain a phytosanitary certificate from the Ministry of Agriculture’s Research Department.

        •    The Cotton Council will issue a recommendation to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

        •    The Ministry of Industry and Trade will issue the export permit based on the recommendation.

        •    For further assistance, contact the Cotton Council at their office in Lilongwe.

     

    See Procedure

  4. 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.

    See Procedure

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