The central bank stated that the indicative prices are reference benchmarks only, intended to support consistency and transparency in import valuation, and are not fixed or mandatory replacement prices. NBE instructed banks to use the references solely to assess the reasonableness of declared import prices and to review only abnormal or significant discrepancies between customer-submitted prices and indicative values.
NBE emphasized that the directive aims to encourage remittance formalization, enhance transparency, and support the smooth functioning of the foreign exchange market, adding that supervisory teams have been directed to ensure consistent and non-disruptive implementation across all financial institutions.
National Bank of Ethiopia issued a public notice on 7 February 2026 clarifying the use of Ethiopian Customs Commission indicative prices for selected import items during foreign exchange processing.
