🇸🇹 Import Customs & Duties: São Tomé and Príncipe
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
CIF value + duty. IVA at 15% on most imports.
Clearance Time
5-14 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 5-20% | 85 |
| Clothing | 10-30% | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 10-30% | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | 0-30% | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-10% | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 10-20% | 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
Sao Tome and Principe Customs (Alfandega). Very small island economy. Import duties 0-30%. IVA (VAT) at 15% on imports. Ana Chaves port (Sao Tome city) is the main entry. Sao Tome International Airport for air cargo. Portuguese-speaking country, CPLP member. Dobra (STN) currency pegged to euro.
What to Actually Expect
Tiny two-island nation (~220,000 people) in the Gulf of Guinea. One of Africa's smallest economies. Almost everything imported. Ana Chaves port has limited capacity. No international courier services besides DHL with limited coverage. Postal mail 4-8 weeks. Cargo ships from Lisbon, Libreville, and Douala. Very high cost of imported goods. Portuguese language required for documentation. Cocoa and chocolate production is main export. Growing offshore oil potential. Tourism developing slowly.
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
Required for firearms, pharmaceuticals, and certain controlled goods. Biosecurity checks for agricultural imports. Very basic regulatory system for a micro-economy.
Certificate of Origin
Issued by Sao Tome Chamber of Commerce. CPLP membership for Portuguese-speaking trade. EU-Central Africa EPA (interim) for preferential access.
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 São Tomé and Príncipe
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for São Tomé and Príncipe?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into São Tomé and Príncipe is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to São Tomé and Príncipe?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to São Tomé and Príncipe is 15%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. IVA at 15% on most imports.
How long does customs clearance take in São Tomé and Príncipe?
Typical customs clearance in São Tomé and Príncipe takes 5-14 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into São Tomé and Príncipe?
To import into São Tomé and Príncipe, 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 São Tomé and Príncipe?
São Tomé and Príncipe 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.