Export from Ethiopia with confidence
Up-to-date export rules, document preparation, licensing support and buyer connections, all in one place for Ethiopian exporters and the foreign buyers who work with them.
Services for exporters
Practical support at every stage, from your first export licence to your next shipment.
Export Consultation
One-to-one advice on markets, rules, pricing and payment terms for your product.
Document Preparation
Proforma invoices, contracts, packing lists, certificates of origin and shipment document packs.
Licensing & Registration
Guidance through eTrade licensing, TIN, contract registration and bank export permits.
Buyer Matching
Introductions between Ethiopian suppliers and international buyers looking to source.
The steps to export from Ethiopia
Our free, updated guide walks you through 10 steps. Here is the short version.
- Register & licenseBusiness licence and export licence on eTrade.
- Find a buyerAgree price, Incoterms and payment method.
- Bank permitRegister the contract and get your export permit.
- Inspect & certifyQuality, phytosanitary and origin certificates.
- Clear & get paidCustoms via eSW, ship, and repatriate proceeds.
What Ethiopia exports
Rules and requirements differ by product. Start with your commodity.
Ethiopian Exporters Consultant is an excellent partner for carrying out projects, programs, and events aimed at strengthening the export sector throughout Ethiopia. Working with EEC provides us with access to an extensive network of contacts in public and private economic sectors in the main markets of Ethiopia. The quality and professionalism of EEC’s consultants is highly satisfactory.Javier Diaz MolinaExecutive Director, National Association of Exporters Spain
Recent rule changes exporters should know
Birr moves to a market exchange rate
After the July 2024 reform, 50% of export proceeds is converted to birr at the market rate and you can keep the other 50% in your foreign exchange retention account.
Coffee export permits from commercial banks
Since 1 May 2025, ECTA registers the coffee export contract and any licensed commercial bank issues the export permit.
AfCFTA certificates of origin from Customs
Under Regulation No. 574/2025, the Ethiopian Customs Commission issues AfCFTA certificates of origin for trade within Africa.
General information, not legal advice. Always confirm current requirements with NBE, ECTA, the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration or Customs.
Ready to start exporting?
Talk to us about your product, your documents or your next shipment.