🇬🇦 Import Customs & Duties: Gabon
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
CIF value + duty. CEMAC community integration tax of 1% also applies.
Clearance Time
5-10 days express, 14-30 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 Generale des Douanes et Droits Indirects manages customs. CEMAC common external tariff applies (4 bands: 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%). ASYCUDA system for electronic declarations. Libreville (Owendo port) is the main entry point. French documentation required. Customs broker mandatory for commercial imports.
What to Actually Expect
Oil-rich country with relatively developed port infrastructure in Libreville. Customs processing can be slow despite modernization efforts. French documentation essential. Informal payments reported. Express couriers (DHL, FedEx) operate in Libreville and Port-Gentil. Higher standard of living means higher import volumes.
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 declaration required. Pre-shipment inspection for goods over XAF 3 million. Arms, narcotics prohibited. Pharmaceuticals need health ministry approval. Used vehicle imports restricted (age limits).
Certificate of Origin
CEMAC certificate for regional trade. Chambre de Commerce, d'Agriculture, d'Industrie et des Mines du Gabon issues certificates. EU-Gabon EPA interim agreement for preferential EU trade.
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 Gabon
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Gabon?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Gabon is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Gabon?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Gabon is 15%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. CEMAC community integration tax of 1% also applies.
How long does customs clearance take in Gabon?
Typical customs clearance in Gabon takes 5-10 days express, 14-30 postal days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Gabon?
To import into Gabon, 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 Gabon?
Gabon 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.