Bitumen Hs Code Zambia

Bitumen HS Code Zambia

The bitumen HS code for Zambia is 2713.20.00 under the Harmonized System (HS) 2022 nomenclature, covering "petroleum bitumen" (asphalt/bitumen derived from petroleum). Zambia applies a Customs Duty of 15% on imported bitumen under this tariff line, with VAT at 16%, and most imports clear through border posts such as Nakonde (Tanzania), Chirundu (Zimbabwe), and Kasumbalesa (DRC) within 3–7 working days if documents are compliant. For regional imports under the SADC Trade Protocol or COMESA, duty may be reduced to 0% where valid Rules of Origin certificates are presented.

What Is the HS Code for Bitumen in Zambia?

Zambia's tariff schedule (based on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) HS 2022 version) classifies bitumen as follows:

Key points:

• The 6-digit subheading 2713.20 is the universal identifier for penetration-grade and oxidized bitumen used in road construction (60/70, 80/100, PG 64-22, etc.).
• Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) uses the HS 2022 version updated as of January 2022, with a national 8-digit extension (e.g., 2713.20.00).
• Under the SADC Protocol on Trade, bitumen originating from South Africa, Zimbabwe, or Tanzania (SADC member states) can enter at 0% duty with a valid SADC Certificate of Origin.
• Under COMESA, goods from Kenya, Egypt, or Mauritius may qualify for 0% duty if accompanied by a COMESA Certificate of Origin.

Zambia Bitumen Import Duties & Taxes — 2025 Breakdown

For a standard 20,000 kg (20-tonne) shipment of penetration-grade bitumen (HS 2713.20.00):

Notes:

• VAT is recoverable for registered businesses with valid TIN.
• Carbon Emission Surtax (0.2%) may apply on some imports but bitumen is typically exempt.
• Zambia's 2025 bitumen import volume is projected at ~120,000–150,000 tonnes, largely driven by the Lusaka–Ndola Dual Carriageway and Copperbelt road rehabilitation programs.

The HS 6-digit code (2713.20) is universal, but duty rates vary per country's tariff schedule.

Documents Required for Bitumen Import into Zambia

To clear bitumen under HS 2713.20.00 at Zambia's borders, importers submit:

• Bill of Lading / Road Waybill – carrier documentation
• Commercial Invoice – showing CIF value in USD/ZMW
• Packing List – drum/bitutank quantities, net and gross weight
• Certificate of Origin – SADC/COMESA format if claiming preferential duty
• ZRA Customs Declaration (Form CE 20 / ASYCUDA) – electronic filing
• Tax Identification Number (TIN) – mandatory for VAT recovery
• Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) – ZABS certificate if applicable
• Safety Data Sheet (SDS) – for hazardous materials (bitumen is Class 3 flammable when heated)
• Import Permit – from Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry for bulk quantities

Average clearance time:

• Nakonde (Tanzania border): 3–5 days
• Chirundu (Zimbabwe border): 4–7 days
• Kasumbalesa (DRC border): 2–4 days
• Kenneth Kaunda International Airport: 1–2 days (air freight, small lots)

Bitumen Prices in Zambia vs Regional Markets

Price drivers in Zambia (2025):

• Crude oil benchmarks (Brent reference)
• Freight from Iran, Iraq, UAE, or South Africa – $60–$120/tonne depending on route
• ZMW/USD exchange rate – a 5% depreciation adds roughly $25/tonne to local pricing
• Seasonal demand – road construction peaks May–October (dry season)

FAQ: Bitumen HS Code Zambia

Q1: What is the exact HS code for bitumen in Zambia?

The exact code is 2713.20.00 under Zambia's HS 2022 national tariff, covering petroleum bitumen and asphalt. This is the same 6-digit subheading used in SADC, COMESA, and globally. Local 8-digit extensions may apply for statistical purposes.

Q2: How much is the import duty on bitumen in Zambia?

Zambia applies a 15% Customs Duty on bitumen under HS 2713.20.00, plus 16% VAT on the CIF-plus-duty value. Under SADC or COMESA preferential trade, qualifying imports can enter at 0% duty with a valid Certificate of Origin.

Q3: How long does it take to clear bitumen at the Zambia border?

Typical clearance takes 3–5 days at Nakonde, 4–7 days at Chirundu, and 2–4 days at Kasumbalesa. Delays occur if the Certificate of Origin, PVoC, or SDS documents are missing. Using a licensed clearing agent can reduce time by 30–50%.

Q4: Can I import bitumen into Zambia duty-free?

Yes — under the SADC Trade Protocol or COMESA Free Trade Area, bitumen originating from member states with a valid Certificate of Origin can enter at 0% duty. VAT (16%) still applies unless you're a registered business claiming input credit. Non-preferential imports pay the full 15% duty.

Q5: Which bitumen grades are most imported into Zambia?

The most imported grade is penetration grade 60/70, used for asphalt paving and road construction. Other common grades include 80/100, 40/50, and PG 64-22. Zambia imports roughly 120,000–150,000 tonnes annually, mostly from South Africa, Iran, UAE, and Tanzania.

Calculate Your Zambia Bitumen Landed Cost Instantly

Use the 6Tar cost calculator to get real-time landed cost estimates for bitumen shipments into Zambia under HS 2713.20.00 — including CIF, 15% duty, 16% VAT, freight, and clearance fees. Whether you're importing 20 tonnes or 20,000 tonnes, the calculator delivers accurate per-tonne pricing in seconds, supporting SADC, COMESA, and standard tariff scenarios. Optimize your next bitumen import today.