🇬🇶 Import Customs & Duties: Equatorial Guinea
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
CIF value + duty. CEMAC community integration tax also applies.
Clearance Time
5-14 days express, 21-45 postal days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 5-30% | 85 |
| Clothing | 30% | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 30% | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | 5-30% | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 5-10% | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 30% | 33 |
| Books | 5% | 49 |
| Toys & Games | 20-30% | 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Customs Clearance Process
Direction General de Aduanas manages customs. CEMAC common external tariff applies (4 bands: 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%). Port of Malabo (Bioko Island) and Bata (mainland) are entry points. Spanish documentation accepted alongside French. Customs broker required for commercial imports.
What to Actually Expect
Oil-rich but small country. Most consumer goods imported. Port infrastructure limited. Split between island (Malabo) and mainland (Bata) complicates logistics. Spanish-speaking (unique in the region). Very limited courier services. High cost of living. Opaque customs procedures reported.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
Import license from Ministry of Commerce. Oil sector imports have separate procedures. Arms, narcotics prohibited. Pharmaceuticals need health ministry approval. Pre-shipment inspection may be required.
Certificate of Origin
CEMAC certificate for regional trade. Camara de Comercio de Guinea Ecuatorial issues certificates. Consular legalization may be required.
Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Popular routes to Equatorial Guinea
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Equatorial Guinea?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Equatorial Guinea is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Equatorial Guinea?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Equatorial Guinea is 15%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. CEMAC community integration tax also applies.
How long does customs clearance take in Equatorial Guinea?
Typical customs clearance in Equatorial Guinea takes 5-14 days express, 21-45 postal days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Equatorial Guinea?
To import into Equatorial Guinea, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Equatorial Guinea?
Equatorial Guinea prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.