# Botswana (BW)

**Capital:** Gaborone  
**Currency:** Botswana Pula (BWP) (BWP)  
**Population:** 2'359'609  
**Area:** 581'730 km²

> Botswana is a politically stable, landlocked country in Southern Africa and a SACU member. Foreign trade is handled mainly through South African and Namibian ports. Key exports are diamonds, copper, nickel and beef; main imports are machinery, vehicles, fuels and consumer goods. Customs clearance is processed electronically via the BURS e-Customs system. Road and rail form the backbone of its logistics.

Botswana (ISO-Code: BW) is located in Southern Africa, bordering South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Politically, the country is a stable parliamentary democracy with well-developed institutions. The climate is predominantly semi-arid with hot summers, mild winters, and irregular rainfall, which significantly affects agriculture. Economically, Botswana is primarily characterized by diamond exports, mining, and livestock farming, while the industrial sector remains small. The country is import-dependent for fuels, machinery, consumer goods, and food. In foreign trade, South Africa plays a central role as the main supplier and buyer, with the transit function primarily secured through South African ports due to its landlocked position. The national currency is the Pula (BWP), which supports stable payment and trade relations. Logistically, businesses benefit from a well-developed road network and reliable border connections to neighboring countries. Botswana is considered a stable inland market in Southern Africa with increasing significance for regional trade.

**Top Import Partners:** ZA, CN, AE, IN, US

**Top Export Partners:** IN, BE, ZA, AE, US

**Top Import Goods:** Maschinen, Fahrzeuge, Erdölprodukte, Konsumgüter, Nahrungsmittel

**Top Export Goods:** Diamanten, Kupfer, Nickel, Rindfleisch, Gold

**Key Airports:**
- [Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/sir-seretse-khama-international-airport-gbe)
- [Jwaneng Airport (JWA)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/jwaneng-airport-jwa)
- [Kasane Airport (BBK)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/kasane-airport-bbk)
- [Maun Airport (MUB)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/maun-airport-mub)
- [P G Matante Intl (FRW)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/p-g-matante-intl-airport-frw)
- [Selebi Phikwe Airport (PKW)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/selebi-phikwe-airport-pkw)
- [Sua Pan Airport (SXN)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/sua-pan-airport-sxn)
- [Abu Airport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/abu-airport-144)
- [Arizona Airport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/arizona-airport-1602)
- [Banoka Airstrip](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/banoka-airstrip-airport-16539)

## Customs & Import

**Import VAT:** Einfuhr-VAT zum Standardsatz von 14 Prozent (seit 2021  
**Customs complexity:** mittel  
**Customs system:** Elektronische Abfertigung über das BURS e-Customs Single Electronic Window (TFBSEW) mit SAD-500-Deklaration. Als SACU-Mitglied keine Zölle im Binnenverkehr mit ZA, NA, LS und SZ.  
**Customs authority:** [Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS)](https://www.burs.org.bw)

## Logistics & Risk

**Logistics role:** Binnenland / Bergbau- und Diamantenexport  
**Economic area:** SACU / SADC  
**Logistics risk:** mittel  
**Dangerous goods relevance:** mittel  
**Pharma/cold chain:** mittel

## FAQ

### Ist Botswana ein Binnenland?

Ja. Botswana hat keinen Meereszugang; Importe und Exporte laufen über Häfen in Südafrika (Durban) und Namibia (Walvis Bay).

### Welcher Mehrwertsteuersatz gilt in Botswana?

Der VAT-Standardsatz beträgt 14 Prozent; bestimmte Lieferungen sind mit dem Nullsatz von 0 Prozent belegt (Quelle: BURS).

### Ab wann besteht VAT-Registrierungspflicht?

Ab einem steuerbaren Jahresumsatz von über P500'000 muss man sich für VAT registrieren.

### Welche Zollbehörde ist zuständig?

Der Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS). Die Abfertigung erfolgt elektronisch über das e-Customs Single Electronic Window.

### Fallen im Handel mit Südafrika Zölle an?

Nein. Innerhalb der SACU (Südafrika, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini) bewegen sich Waren zollfrei; erhoben werden nur lokale Steuern wie die VAT.

### Welches Deklarationsdokument wird verwendet?

Die SAD-500-Zolldeklaration, die elektronisch über das BURS e-Customs System eingereicht wird.

### Welche Hauptgüter exportiert Botswana?

Vor allem Diamanten sowie Kupfer, Nickel und Rindfleisch.

### Welche Verkehrsträger sind für Botswana relevant?

Strasse und Schiene für den Regionalverkehr sowie Luftfracht, insbesondere für Diamanten.

## Sources & Last Verified

- [https://www.burs.org.bw](https://www.burs.org.bw)
- [https://www.burs.org.bw/index.php/tax/value-added-tax](https://www.burs.org.bw/index.php/tax/value-added-tax)
- [https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/botswana/corporate/other-taxes](https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/botswana/corporate/other-taxes)
- [https://www.burs.org.bw/index.php/customsexcisemain/international-trade-agreements/south-african-customs-union-agreement](https://www.burs.org.bw/index.php/customsexcisemain/international-trade-agreements/south-african-customs-union-agreement)
- [https://ecustoms.burs.org.bw](https://ecustoms.burs.org.bw)
- [http://www.sacu.int](http://www.sacu.int)
- [https://www.statsbots.org.bw/census-2022](https://www.statsbots.org.bw/census-2022)

*Last verified: 2026-06-22*

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