Ethiopia's New Customs Proclamation: 5 Key Changes Every Importer and Transporter Must Know

A major amendment to Ethiopia's Customs Proclamation took effect on 23 July 2026, bringing changes that will reshape how businesses import goods, transport cargo, and challenge customs decisions. The new law, Proclamation No. 1425/2026, presents a tale of two worlds. For compliant importers, it offers genuine relief through reduced financial burdens and stronger procedural protections. For those in the transport and logistics sector, it introduces penalties so severe that a single mistake could cost a vehicle, a business, or a livelihood. Here are the five most important changes every business owner, importer, and transporter needs to understand.

Importers facing liquidity constraints at the point of clearance can now benefit from a new mechanism for partial release of goods. Where an importer cannot pay all duties and taxes at once, the Customs Commission may now release goods in portions, provided the duties for each specific portion are paid. This is a genuine cash-flow tool that addresses a long-standing complaint from the business community. However, the discretion remains with the Commission, and importers must formally state their inability to pay in full and request partial release. Businesses should document such requests carefully and maintain open communication with the Commission regarding the phased release schedule. The default rule remains unchanged, goods entered under a single declaration are released together—but the new exception provides a statutory route for importers who genuinely cannot pay the full amount upfront. Please read the full details from the attachment.