Ethiopia Tightens Verification Rules for Customs Transiters

Ethiopia’s Customs Commission has ordered all customs procedure execution branch offices to strictly verify delegations of authority between importers and customs transiters through the Federal Documents Authentication and Registration Agency (DARA), in a move aimed at curbing trade fraud and strengthening tax enforcement.

In a directive issued on February 5, 2026, the Commission said it has identified widespread lapses in how powers of attorney are issued and authenticated, including cases where importers fail to appear in person and supporting documents are not verified by an authorized government body. These gaps, it noted, have hindered tax collection and complicated efforts to bring trade related offenses to justice.

Under the new rule, any delegation between an importer and a customs transiter must be formally authenticated via DARA during the customs clearance process, with customs offices instructed to enforce the requirement immediately. The Commission said the measure forms part of broader efforts to professionalize the transit sector, including training, certification, and tighter regulatory oversight.