Lesotho
B/L Print Requirements
Mandatory text on Ocean B/L
- • Consignee RSL TIN, 6-digit HS Code, and precise goods description mandatory on Ocean B/L and manifest.
- • Coastal discharge port (Port of Durban) must be stated with mandatory transit notation: "Cargo in transit in bond to Lesotho via Port of Durban at consignee's risk and expense".
- • Ocean freight must be prepaid.
Consignee RSL TIN must appear on transport documents and manifest. For transit cargo to Maseru via Durban, the explicit transit clause ("In transit in bond to Lesotho via Port of Durban") must appear in the goods description field.
Inspection & Certificates
Pre-loading inspection & filing
- • No ECTN/BESC tracking note is required.
- • Standard customs declarations processed electronically via RSL ASYCUDA World (SAD 500).
- • SACU transit bond processed at Port of Durban before cross-border transit to Maseru Bridge.
Cargo & Standards
Labeling, vehicles & packaging
- • Passenger vehicles: maximum 10 years from manufacture
- • Left-hand-drive vehicles are strictly prohibited.
- • English product labeling mandatory on all retail goods.
- • Left-hand-drive vehicles strictly prohibited (RHD required).
- • Motor vehicles older than 10 years face elevated customs valuation scales and environmental levies.
- • Official Veterinary Health Certificate mandatory for all imported meat products.
- • ISPM 15 wood packaging compliance strictly enforced at border corridors.
- • ISPM 15 heat-treated stamp required on all wooden packaging.
Shipper & Consignee
Where this destination differs from standard practice
- • Foreign consignees are not accepted — a locally-registered entity must be named.
Consignee must be a registered entity in Lesotho holding an active TIN issued by RSL. "To Order" B/Ls are permitted provided the Notify Party is the registered local buyer or licensed clearing agent with full physical address in Maseru, local phone number, and TIN stated on the B/L. PO Box only is rejected.
Non-Compliance Risk at Destination
Transit cargo lacking an explicit B/L transit clause faces coastal customs bond suspension and port storage surcharges at Port of Durban.
Compliance Timeline for Lesotho
Follow this 3-step sequence from container stuffing through to port clearance.
Before Container Loading
- ✓ Confirm commercial invoice and packing list accuracy with consignee.
- ✓ Verify vehicle age against the applicable statutory limit (10 yrs passenger).
- ✓ Confirm vehicle is NOT left-hand drive before booking.
- ✓ Confirm consignee is a locally-registered entity — foreign consignees are not accepted at this destination.
- ✓ Verify ISPM 15 heat-treated stamp on all wooden crates, dunnage, and pallets.
Prior to Sailing
- ✓ Ensure exact consignee Tax ID / Registration Code and 6-digit HS Code are printed on B/L.
- ✓ Submit SOLAS Verified Gross Mass (VGM) to loading terminal before yard cutoff.
Port Clearance at Destination
- ✓ Collect Delivery Order (DO) upon completing Release verification.
Download Compliance Guide for Lesotho (PDF)
Generate a practical, print-ready compliance document complete with statutory B/L clauses, ECTN certificate agencies, vehicle age ceilings, and station phone contacts.