Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport
- Packing list
- Original bill of lading (OBL) – no express release / air waybill (AWB)
- Original valued inventory in French, dated, and signed by the owner of the goods
- Invoices for all electrical items less than 6 months old
- Resident or work permit or letter from the employer
- Non-sale certificate (declaration on the honor that the owner of the goods will not sell personal effects in Central African Republic
- Bordereau de Suivi de Cargaison (BSC) / cargo tracking note (CTN)
- Personal identification number (NIF)
Specific Information
- The BSC / CTN are compulsory documents for all sea shipments going to the Central Africa Republic, which must be obtained at origin.
- All documents must be provided to agent prior to arrival of the shipment in order to apply and be granted duty free clearance prior to arrival of the shipment.
- A 1% import tax is levied for all personal effects shipment to Central African Republic equal to 1% of declared value.
- Goods that are not exempt from import taxes:
-
Computers 80% CIF + VAT 18% Alcohol 67.5% CIF + VAT 18% Tobacco 77.5% CIF + VAT 18% New electrical appliances 80% CIF + VAT 18% Vehicles 48% – 78% (varies with power of the car) + VAT 18%
- Diplomatic shipments are duty free except for:
-
Computers 80% CIF + VAT 18% Vehicles 0.5% CIF
- All shipments are applicable for RGS tax (0.5% of declared value).
- All shipments are checked by Customs.
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Original registration card
- Owner of the goods’ driver’s license
- Original purchase invoice
- Non-sale certificate
- Export declaration (new cars)
Specific Information
- Taxes on vehicles will depend on age, power etc.
- The OBL must show chassis number, engine number, cubic capacity, year of manufacture, brand, and model.
- If the car is new, an export declaration is required.
Pets
Documents Required
- Veterinary health certificate
- Vaccination record
Specific Information
- Dogs and cats coming into the country require a veterinary certificate confirming the animal’s prior vaccination against rabies.
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Firearms and ammunitions must be declared prior to entry into the country (authorization from the territorial administration required)
- Cameras, film and currency must be declared prior to entry into the country
- Perfume (5 bottles)
- Alcohol (only “Fond de Cave”) is acceptable and duty free (max 20 bottles)
-
Tobacco products (2 kg) Cigarettes (1000)
Cigars (250)
77.5% CIF + VAT 18% New electrical appliances Computer
80% CIF + VAT 18% Also applies to diplomatic shipments Vehicles 48% – 78% CIF + VAT 18% 0.5% CIF + VAT 18%
CIF value depends on power of the car Diplomatic shipments
Alcohol 67.5% CIF + VAT 18%
Prohibited Items
- Narcotics and illegal drugs
- Alcohol – must be sent separately and labeled as “Fond de Cave” (maximum 20 bottles)
- Pornography and subversive materials
- Explosives
Consignment Instructions
Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.