🇬🇼 Import Customs & Duties: Guinea-Bissau
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
CIF value + duty. ECOWAS community levy and statistical levy also apply.
Clearance Time
7-14 days express, 21-45 postal days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 5-20% | 85 |
| Clothing | 20-35% | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 20-35% | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | 5-35% | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-5% | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 20% | 33 |
| Books | 0% | 49 |
| Toys & Games | 10-20% | 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Customs Clearance Process
Direction Generale des Douanes manages customs. ECOWAS CET applies (5 bands: 0%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 35%). Also member of WAEMU/UEMOA (West African Economic and Monetary Union) using CFA franc. Port of Bissau is the main entry point. Portuguese documentation required.
What to Actually Expect
One of the poorest countries in the world. Port infrastructure very limited. Political instability has disrupted customs operations periodically. Portuguese documentation required (unique in ECOWAS region). Very few international courier services. Drug trafficking has complicated customs enforcement. Cashew exports dominate trade.
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. Arms, narcotics strictly prohibited. Pharmaceuticals need health ministry authorization. Limited formal import licensing structure.
Certificate of Origin
ECOWAS certificate for regional trade. Camara de Comercio, Industria e Agricultura issues certificates. AGOA certificate for US market.
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 Guinea-Bissau
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Guinea-Bissau?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Guinea-Bissau is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Guinea-Bissau?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Guinea-Bissau is 15%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. ECOWAS community levy and statistical levy also apply.
How long does customs clearance take in Guinea-Bissau?
Typical customs clearance in Guinea-Bissau takes 7-14 days express, 21-45 postal days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Guinea-Bissau?
To import into Guinea-Bissau, 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 Guinea-Bissau?
Guinea-Bissau 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.