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Imports into Botswana are subject to the excise duties and levies that are imposed as a result of being party to the Customs Union. These include: (...) environmental levies (...)

(...) In general, Botswana applies the tariff exemptions and other concessions that are stipulated in the Schedules to the Customs and Excise Act of 1964, which are: (...) Fuel levy and Environmental Levy; and Refunds and Rebates of Excise Duties, Fuel Levy and Environmental Levy (Main Report).

Concessions applied by SACU countries (including Botswana) include rebates that affect specific industries and those that are more general and apply to imports by diplomats (based on reciprocal treatment), special events such as international exhibitions, relief in cases of natural disasters and famines, and to goods being re-imported into Botswana or goods sent abroad for processing or repair that are re-imported. (...)

Goods imported for a specific purpose or under different customs regimes may also be exempt from VAT. As a result, goods imported, inter alia, (1) for the relief of distress of persons in cases of famine or other natural disaster; (...) are exempt from VAT.

Import prohibitions apply to such goods as narcotic drugs, obscene material, and environmentally hazardous products, such as toxic or radioactive waste, mainly to protect health, safety and morality. Imports of semi-precious stones and certain plants are also prohibited.

Table 3.2 Import restrictions
Products - Type of restriction/objective - Legal instrument
Second-hand goods motor vehicles and clothing - Import permit/environmental and health reasons - Control of Goods, Prices and Other Charges Act (goods refer to both new and second-hand)
(...)

Technical regulations usually apply to products and services that are likely to affect the health and safety of people and animals, and the environment. (...)

As part of implementing Sanitary and Phyto-sanitary Measures (SPS) measures, Botswana is in the process of enacting a law on biotechnology and genetically modified organisms as well as protection of new plant varieties (intellectual property).

Botswana does not have regulations on biotechnology or genetically modified organisms.

The exportation of wild animals or their products (trophy or meat) is prohibited unless accompanied by an export permit issued by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks.