The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has issued a new directive governing Franco Valuta imports, allowing Ethiopians and foreign nationals of Ethiopian origin permanently residing abroad who hold an investment license to import personal effects with an FOB value of up to USD 10,000.
Individuals coming to reside in Ethiopia for the first time may import personal and household goods, excluding motor vehicles, worth up to USD 5,000 FOB duty-free. To qualify, they must hold a valid residence permit and obtain confirmation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or another relevant government office.
Motor vehicles are explicitly excluded from both personal-effects categories. Promotional items bearing product logos, company names, or other identifiers that are not intended for commercial use are capped at USD 5,000 FOB (Free on board, value of goods before shipping, insurance, and other transportation costs are added. ). Commercial gifts and trade samples that are not imported in commercial quantities are limited to USD 4,000 FOB and must be supported by documentation linking the goods to a licensed business or service activity.
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Medicines urgently required for an individual’s health are exempt from FOB value limits under the directive, provided supporting documentation is obtained from a treating physician, the importing institution, or the Ministry of Health. Vehicle spare parts imported on an emergency basis are restricted to the extent of the damage and may not include engines, gearboxes, or differentials. Importers must also provide the vehicle’s ownership certificate.
Embassies, international organizations, and foreign direct investment (FDI) entities may import fuel for their own consumption on a Franco Valuta basis, subject to approval from the relevant government office and submission of supporting documentation.
The directive identifies a broad range of eligible users, including licensed domestic investors operating in economic zones, diaspora and foreign investors, manufacturing and industrial enterprises owned by foreign investors, FDI and diaspora traders, development projects of strategic importance, owners of personal effects, religious institutions, government institutions and civic societies receiving grants, diplomatic missions, and international, continental, and regional non-governmental organizations.
Permitted goods categories include investment capital goods, machinery, spare parts and accessories, raw materials for manufacturing, technology equipment and software, industrial and agricultural inputs, goods for renewable and non-renewable energy and infrastructure projects, donation goods, goods imported for sample or experimental purposes, temporary imports, warranty replacements, and goods intended for trade fairs and exhibitions. The NBE may also authorize additional categories of goods on a temporary or permanent basis for monetary, financial, or foreign-exchange stability purposes.
FDI and diaspora traders engaged in domestic wholesale or retail trade, as recognized under relevant Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration laws and regulations, may use Franco Valuta arrangements to import commercial goods. The directive also covers permanent imports, temporary imports, re-exports, re-imports, and goods destined for special economic and free-trade zones.
All Franco Valuta transactions must be recorded and reported through FEMoUS, the Foreign Exchange Monitoring and Orchestration Unified System, which the Ethiopian Customs Commission is required to use or integrate with. The directive requires all transactions to be digitally recorded and remain traceable within the system.
