Moving to Equatorial Guinea

Used Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

  • Copy of passport
  • Packing list in English, French, or Spanish
  • Original visa
  • Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
  • Detailed valued inventory in French or Spanish, dated, and signed by the owner of the goods
  • Purchase invoices must clearly identify electrical items, date, year, and place of purchase
  • Invoices for all electrical items less than 6 months old
  • Original certificate of transfer on employer letterhead with start date of employment
  • Duty-free certificate (diplomats)
  • Move certificate issued by the City Hall at origin
  • Change of residence certificate and detailed valued inventory list, stamped, and signed by the consulate of Equatorial Guinea in the origin country (returning citizens).
  • Diplomatic franchise (diplomats)

Specific Information

  • Used household goods are not duty free for returning residents, returning diplomats, and people coming to work in Equatorial Guinea, except those working for companies that have a protocol agreement with the government in which an exemption of duties is clearly stipulated.
  • The attendance of the owner of the goods is not required for import Customs clearance.
  • The taxes for import are outlined as follows:
    • No duties or taxes for diplomats
    • 10% on all used household goods based on the declared value as per valued inventory list
    • 51.9% on new car
    • 38% on appliances
    • 30% for food (no tax if reasonable quantity)
    • 110 % for alcohol or tobacco (no tax if reasonable quantity)
  • It takes approximately 8 days to get the franchise; demurrage and storage charges may be charged during this time (diplomats).

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

  • Copy of passport
  • OBL / AWB
  • Letter of employment
  • Purchase invoice
  • Insurance document
  • Sale / purchase certificate
  • Car registration documents
  • Insurance documents
  • Inspection certificate (service)
  • Pictures of the car

Specific Information

  • If the car is imported as personal effects, under the name of the owner of the goods, and was owned for at least 6 months, then no import duties will be charged; if not, duties of 51.9% CIF value are applicable.
  • OBL must show chassis number, engine number, cubic capacity, year of manufacture, brand, and model.
  • If the shipment is not diplomatic, 62% CIF duties are applicable.
  • Authorization from the Ministry of Transportation in Equatorial Guinea and from the Port Authorities is required and must be obtained before shipping from origin port.

Pets

Documents Required

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Veterinary health certificate

Specific Information

  • All animals subject to examination by a Customs veterinarian.

Restricted/Dutiable Items

  • Alcohol (only “Fond de Cave”) is acceptable and duty free (maximum 20 bottles)
  • Weapons and ammunition (permission required)
  • The following items may be imported duty free:
    • Firearms and ammunitions (authorization from the territorial administration required)
    • Tobacco (250 grams), cigars (50), cigarettes (200)
    • Perfume (reasonable quantity)
    • Currency greater than XAF 50,000

Prohibited Items

  • Drugs
  • Pornography, defamatory, or obscene publications
  • Clothing resembling that of the military
  • Books and movies relating to wars or terrorist events
  • Binoculars and high-tech cameras

Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

Cultural and Other Information