Frequently Asked Questions

We handle all customs documentation and procedures for both imports and exports. This includes tariff classification, Bill of Lading processing, ZRA customs declarations, import/export permits, licences, and all regulatory paperwork — ensuring smooth, compliant, and efficient clearance at every Zambian border entry.

Simply contact us or fill in our quote request form with your shipment details. Our team will guide you through the required documentation, explain the applicable duties and taxes, and manage the entire customs process on your behalf from start to finish.

Common documents include: Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, Import/Export Permit (where applicable), and a ZRA Form 12 (Zambia Customs Entry). The exact requirements vary by commodity and country of origin — our team will advise on your specific cargo.

Yes, absolutely. We assist with customs clearance in both directions — imports into Zambia from any origin, and exports from Zambia to any destination. Our team is experienced with all commodity types and trade lanes, including general goods, mining equipment, pharmaceuticals, agricultural produce, and more.

Clearance time varies depending on the border entry, commodity type, and completeness of documentation. With full and correct documentation, clearance at major border posts like Chirundu typically takes 24–48 hours. Our proactive approach to documentation preparation and our relationships with ZRA officials help minimise delays significantly.

Yes. We have experience clearing controlled commodities including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, firearms (with proper licencing), food products, and other regulated goods. Our team ensures all special permits, licences, and regulatory requirements are in place before shipment. Please disclose the nature of your cargo when requesting a quote.

We offer all major transport modes: Road freight across SADC and East African corridors; Air freight via major international hubs for time-critical cargo; Sea freight (FCL and LCL) globally through ports including Dar es Salaam, Beira, Walvis Bay, and Durban; and Rail freight for cost-effective bulk cargo movements within Southern Africa.

Yes. We provide full door-to-door service — from collection at the origin address, through customs clearance at all relevant borders, to final delivery at the destination address. This includes all documentation, handling, and coordination with local carriers at both ends of the shipment.

Fill in our online quote request form with your cargo details (type, weight/volume), origin, destination, preferred transport mode, and required delivery date. Our team will respond with a tailored, competitive quote within 2 business hours. You can also email us at info@discoveryfreight.co.zm.

Yes. We offer expedited road freight, express air cargo, and priority customs clearance services for urgent consignments. Please indicate the urgency and required delivery date when submitting your quote request, and our team will fast-track the necessary arrangements. Surcharges may apply for express services.

All road freight shipments are tracked via GPS-enabled vehicles, and we provide regular status updates at key transit points. For air and sea freight, we monitor shipments through carrier tracking systems and relay updates to you proactively. Your dedicated account manager is your single point of contact for all shipment status queries.

Yes. We operate secure warehousing facilities in Lusaka, available for both bonded storage (for goods awaiting customs clearance) and general storage. Our facilities include 24/7 security, advanced inventory management systems, and efficient pick-and-pack services for distribution.

A bonded warehouse is a ZRA-approved facility where imported goods can be stored before customs duties and taxes are paid. This is useful when you need time before releasing goods or when goods are in transit to another country. We operate bonded warehousing facilities and manage all related ZRA compliance on your behalf.

We use advanced warehouse management systems (WMS) for real-time stock tracking, organised storage, and accurate inventory reporting. Clients receive regular inventory reports and have visibility into their stock levels at all times. Our team handles receiving, put-away, picking, packing, and dispatch efficiently.

Yes. Our distribution services cover deliveries to single or multiple destinations across Zambia. We coordinate with our road freight network to ensure timely delivery to retail stores, depots, project sites, or end customers. We can also manage regular scheduled distribution runs for clients with recurring delivery needs.

We operate at all Zambian border entries, including: Chirundu (Zambia/Zimbabwe), Nakonde (Zambia/Tanzania), Kazungula (Zambia/Botswana/Zimbabwe), Livingstone/Victoria Falls, Chanida (Zambia/Mozambique), Mchinji (Zambia/Malawi), Kasumbalesa (Zambia/DRC), Katima Mulilo (Zambia/Namibia), and all other designated ports of entry nationwide.

Chirundu (on the Zambia–Zimbabwe border) is the busiest land border for commercial cargo entering Zambia, particularly for goods coming from South Africa via Zimbabwe. Nakonde on the Tanzania border and Kasumbalesa on the DRC border are also major commercial corridors. We are active at all of these.

Yes. We handle air freight customs clearance at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) in Lusaka. Our team manages all airfreight documentation, customs declarations, ZRA processing, and arranges collection and delivery to your premises upon clearance.

Yes. We maintain a network of licensed clearing agents with physical presence at all major Zambian border crossings. This means your goods are never left unattended or waiting for a remote agent to respond — we have boots on the ground exactly where your cargo needs to clear.

Yes, fully. We are licensed by the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) as authorised customs clearing agents. We strictly adhere to all ZRA requirements, tariff classifications, valuation rules, and regulatory standards. Our team continuously monitors regulatory changes to ensure every clearance remains compliant.

Yes. We are fully proficient with ASYCUDA World (Automated System for Customs Data), which is the primary customs management system used by ZRA at all Zambian border posts. Our clearing agents are trained and registered on the system, enabling efficient electronic submission of customs declarations.

Customs duties in Zambia are based on the HS (Harmonised System) tariff code of your goods, the customs value (CIF — cost + insurance + freight), and the applicable duty rate under ZRA's tariff schedule. VAT (currently 16% in Zambia) is also charged on most goods. Our team will calculate and advise you on all applicable charges before clearance.

Yes. Many commodities require import permits or licences from various Zambian government agencies (e.g. ZABS for standards, MoH for pharmaceuticals, MoA for food products). We assist clients in identifying the required permits and guide the application process — reducing delays caused by missing documentation.

If ZRA selects your goods for physical examination, our on-site agents manage the entire process — attending the examination, providing additional documentation if required, and resolving any queries with ZRA officials directly. We keep you informed throughout and work to resolve any issues as quickly as possible to avoid prolonged delays.

Discovery Freight & Logistics was established in 2020 in Lusaka, Zambia. While the company was founded in 2020, the core team brings over two decades of combined experience in the customs clearing and freight forwarding industry in Zambia and across the region.

Our head office is located at Stand No. 7648, House No. 8, Chalata Road, Woodlands Extension, Lusaka, Zambia. In addition to our Lusaka office, we maintain agent presence at all Zambian border entries. You can contact us at info@discoveryfreight.co.zm.

We respond to all quote requests and general enquiries within 2 business hours during office hours (Monday–Friday 08:00–17:00, Saturday 08:00–13:00). For urgent shipments, please indicate the urgency in your message and we will prioritise your enquiry accordingly.

Absolutely. We serve a diverse client base — from multinational corporations and large trading companies to growing SMEs and individual importers. Every client, regardless of size, receives the same level of professional, personalised service. We believe in building long-term partnerships and will scale our services to meet your specific needs and volumes.