Moving to Afghanistan

Used Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

  • Copy of passport
  • Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
  • Packing list
  • Tax exemption form
  • Letter of request (to Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Customs clearance permission)

Specific Information

  • Customs clearance procedures take approximately 3 – 4 weeks provided all documents are received by agent and complete.
  • Afghanistan does not require the fumigation of wood packaging materials (WPM) with ISPM15 at this time.

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

  • Copy of passport
  • OBL / AWB
  • Original commercial / purchase invoice
  • Tax exemption form
  • Vehicle identification number (VIN)
  • Diplomatic note to Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Customs clearance process

Specific Information

  • The import of motor vehicles requires prior authorization from the Ministry of Commerce in Kabul, Afghanistan.
  • The VIN must be indicated on the OBL / AWB.

Pets

Documents Required

  • Certification of vaccination, including rabies
  • Veterinary health certificate
  • Pet passport

Specific Information

  • The certificate of vaccination must be issued at the point of origin and accompany the animal (dogs).
  • The certification of vaccination and veterinary health certificate must be issued within 30 days of arrival to Afghanistan.

Restricted/Dutiable Items

  • Alcohol (2 L)
  • Antiques, carpets, furs and camera film (permit is required)

Prohibited Items

  • Weapons of all kinds
  • Alcohol and foodstuff
  • Pornography
  • Narcotics
  • Anti-Islamic materials, literature, etc.
  • Electronic recordings (CDs, DVDs, audiotapes and videotapes, etc.) require Ministry of Culture approval

Consignment Instructions

Recommended:  Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

Cultural and Other Information