Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport
- Packing list in English, French, or Spanish
- Original visa
- Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
- Valued, detailed, dated and signed inventory showing the shipper’s name, the address at origin, the address at destination, as well as the list of all items and the global value
- Invoices for all electrical items less than 6 months old. Purchase invoices must clearly identify electrical items, date, year, and place of purchase
- Employment confirmation letter or transfer letter from the employer in Spanish or French.
- Change of residence certificate or move certificate issued by the City Hall at origin
- Duty-free certificate (diplomats)
- Diplomatic Franchise (diplomats)
Specific Information
- Used household goods are not duty free for returning residents, returning diplomats, and people coming to work in Equatorial Guinea, except those working for companies that have a protocol agreement with the government in which an exemption of duties is clearly stipulated.
- All shipments are physically controlled by customs, even diplomatic ones.
- The attendance of the owner of the goods is not required for import Customs clearance.
- The taxes for import are outlined as follows:
- No duties or taxes for diplomats
- 10% on all used household goods based on the declared value as per valued inventory list
- 51.9% on new car
- 38% on appliances
- 30% for food (no tax if reasonable quantity)
- 110 % for alcohol or tobacco (no tax if reasonable quantity)
- All new items (less than 6 months old) will be taxed at 62% of CIF value. (diplomats excluded)
- It takes approximately 8 days to get the franchise; demurrage and storage charges may be charged during this time (diplomats).
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Copy of passport
- OBL / AWB
- Letter of employment
- Purchase invoice
- Insurance document
- Sale / purchase certificate
- Car registration documents
- Insurance documents
- Inspection certificate (service)
- Pictures of the car
- Ministerial and customs authorization
Specific Information
- If the car is imported as personal effects, under the name of the owner of the goods, and was owned for at least 6 months, then no import duties will be charged; if not, duties of 51.9% CIF value are applicable.
- Vehicles less than 8 years old must be approved by the government before shipment. Should the government's authorization not be granted, the vehicle may be confiscated upon arrival.
- OBL must show chassis number, engine number, cubic capacity, year of manufacture, brand, and model.
- If the shipment is not diplomatic, 62% CIF duties are applicable.
- Authorization from the Ministry of Transportation in Equatorial Guinea and from the Port Authorities is required and must be obtained before shipping from origin port.
Pets
Documents Required
- Rabies vaccination certificate
- Veterinary health certificate
Specific Information
- All animals subject to examination by a Customs veterinarian.
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Alcohol (only “Fond de Cave”) is acceptable and duty free (maximum 20 bottles)
- Weapons and ammunition (permission required)
- The following items may be imported duty free:
- Firearms and ammunitions (authorization from the territorial administration required)
- Tobacco (250 grams), cigars (50), cigarettes (200)
- Perfume (reasonable quantity)
- Currency greater than XAF 50,000
Prohibited Items
- Drugs
- Pornography, defamatory, or obscene publications
- Clothing resembling that of the military
- Books and movies relating to wars or terrorist events
- Binoculars and high-tech cameras
Consignment Instructions
Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.