Customs Information

Central African Republic - All

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED Central African Republic

  • Copy of passport
  • Packing list
  • Original bill of lading (OBL) - no express release / air waybill (AWB)
  • Original valued inventory in French, dated, and signed by the owner of the goods
  • Invoices for all electrical items less than 6 months old
  • Resident or work permit or letter from the employer
  • Non-sale certificate (declaration on the honor that the owner of the goods will not sell personal effects in Central African Republic
  • Bordereau de Suivi de Cargaison (BSC) / cargo tracking note (CTN)
  • Personal identification number (NIF)

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

  • The BSC / CTN are compulsory documents for all sea shipments going to the Central Africa Republic, which must be obtained at origin.
  • All documents must be provided to agent prior to arrival of the shipment in order to apply and be granted duty free clearance prior to arrival of the shipment.
  • A 1% import tax is levied for all personal effects shipment to Central African Republic equal to 1% of declared value.
  • Goods that are not exempt from import taxes:
    • Computers                                80% CIF + VAT 18%
    • Alcohol                                    67.5% CIF + VAT 18%
    • Tobacco                                   77.5% CIF +VAT 18%
    • New electrical appliances              80% CIF + VAT 18%
    • Vehicles                                   48% - 78% (varies with power of the car) + VAT 18%
  • Diplomatic shipments are duty free except for:
    • Computers                                80% CIF + VAT 18%
    • Vehicles                                   0.5% CIF
  • All shipments are applicable for RGS tax (0.5% of declared value).
  • All shipments are checked by Customs.

MOTOR VEHICLES

  • Taxes on vehicles will depend on age, power etc.
  • The OBL must show chassis number, engine number, cubic capacity, year of manufacture, brand, and model.
  • If the car is new, an export declaration is required.

Documents required:

  • Original registration card
  • Owner of the goods’ driver’s license
  • Original purchase invoice
  • Non-sale certificate
  • Export declaration (new cars)

PETS

  • Dogs and cats coming into the country require a veterinary certificate confirming the animal’s prior vaccination against rabies.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  • All shipments are checked by customs!

DUTIABLE/RESTRICTED ITEMS

  • Firearms and ammunitions must be declared prior to entry into the country (authorization from the territorial administration required)
  • Cameras, film and currency must be declared prior to entry into the country
  • Tobacco products (2 kg), cigarettes (1000), cigars (250), 77.5% CIF + VAT 18%
  • New Electrical appliances 80% CIF + VAT 18%
  • Perfume (5 bottles)
  • Computer, 80% CIF + VAT 18% (also applies to diplomatic shipments)
  • Vehicles, between 48% to 78% according to power of the car + VAT 18% (0.5% CIF for diplomatic shipments)
  • Alcohol, 67.5% CIF + VAT 18%
  • Alcohol (only “Fond de Cave”) is acceptable and duty free (max 20 bottles)

 PROHIBITED ITEMS

  • Narcotics and illegal drugs
  • Alcohol - must be sent separately and labeled as “Fond de Cave” (maximum 20 bottles)
  • Pornography and subversive materials
  • Explosives