Gabon may only have 2.1 million inhabitants, but it has a rich history of folklore and mythology, and is known worldwide for its use of elegant masks during ceremonies celebrating births, marriages, and deaths.
However, less well known to most, is the amount of protected parklands this west African nation has created - about 10% of its landmass. And this provides a safe home to many varied creatures such as forest elephants, buffaloes, sitatungas, chimpanzees, and gorillas.
Shipping Rates
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Gabon
through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Gabon. In case you are an everyday shopper or a business,
you can easily save up to 50% on your international shipping costs by way of accessing our group buying power.
Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking
information to Gabon
Disclaimer
While we have made every effort to ensure that the information on this
page is accurate, Customs laws and procedures change regularly so it is
important to consult a licensed broker in Gabon before shipping any
goods.
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Feb 21, 2026
8:49 am
Moanda , MO, GA
Delivered
Feb 20, 2026
7:18 am
Franceville , FR, GA
In transit
Feb 19, 2026
9:03 pm
Port-Gentil , PG, GA
International Clearance
Feb 19, 2026
8:14 am
Libreville , LI, GA
In transit
Feb 19, 2026
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
Feb 18, 2026
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan
Types of Shipments
Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will
require different paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting
statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
Gift parcels shipped to Gabon from Canada will incur duty and taxes if
they are valued at greater than $35 USD (about $45 CAD).
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
Gift shipments from an individual in Canada to an individual in Gabon
will be exempt from duties and taxes provided the shipment is no more
than $35 USD (about $45 CAD).
Shipments from Business-to-Business
Gift shipments with a value of $35 USD or less will be exempt from
taxes and duties.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
The general policy of Gabonese customs is to accept gift shipments
duty and tax free if the parcel's value is no more than $35 USD (about
$45 CAD).
Gift Checklist
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the
commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time (see sample)
List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one
individually.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Galaktioni Tabidze 8 Gia Chanturia St. Tbilisi 0108 Gabon
Phone: +995 32 299 86 67
Carrier tracking number: 736534736 General Description: Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS Date: 28 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
CA
$79.99
Terms of Sale: None Total number of packages: 1 Reason for export:Gifts Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $79.99 Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Multiple Gifts in One Shipment
If your shipment contains multiple gifts, be sure to wrap and tag each
one separately.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Galaktioni Tabidze 8 Gia Chanturia St. Tbilisi 0108 Gabon
Phone: +995 32 299 86 67
Carrier tracking number: 736534736 General Description: Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS Date: 28 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
CA
$39.99
1 Each
Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket
CA
$49.99
Terms of Sale: None Total number of packages: 1 Reason for export:Gifts Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $89.98 Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
Ship To
Invoice
Galaktioni Tabidze 8 Gia Chanturia St. Tbilisi 0108 Gabon
Phone: +995 32 299 86 67
Carrier tracking number: 736534736 General Description: Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS Date: 28 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Box
Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2027 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)
CA
$20.00
Terms of Sale: None Total number of packages: 1 Reason for export:Permanent / Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00 Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Samples
Commercial samples are shipped to solicit sales and promote products;
they are NOT intended to be sold.
Provided samples have no commercial value, they may enter Gabon exempt
from duty charges.
NOTE: commercial samples may also
be shipped to Gabon by using an ATA Carnet, which allows them an
expedited customs clearance and a duty-free entry to the country.
Commercial Sample Checklist
A Commercial Invoice must be included with your shipment
Clearly indicate 'Commercial Samples' on the commercial invoice in the
General Description & Detailed Description of Goods (see sample)
The item shipped has tearing, perforation, slashing, defacing, or has
permanent marking clearing indicating the item as commercial sample
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
Ship To
Invoice
Galaktioni Tabidze 8 Gia Chanturia St. Tbilisi 0108 Gabon
Phone: +995 32 299 86 67
Carrier tracking number: 736534736 General Description: Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS Date: 28 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
CA
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None Total number of packages: 1 Reason for export:Promotional Material Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00 Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Repairs
Machinery and equipment shipped to Canada for repair may re-enter
Gabon exempt from duty fees provided the work was done at no charge
under a warranty.
Items Under Warranty
Provided items are covered by a warranty, they may be repaired in
Canada at no charge and returned to Gabon without incurring duty.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
Equipment and machinery that are no longer under warranty will incur
duty fees on the repair work done in Canada when they are returned to
Gabon.
Sending Product for Repair to Gabon
There is no information at this time concerning sending items to Gabon
from Canada for repair.
Returning Repaired Product to Gabon
If goods have been repaired in Canada at no charge due to a warranty
obligation, they will be exempt from duties upon re-entry into Gabon.
Repair Checklist
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the General
Description or Remarks, and include the estimated time of return(see sample)
Include repair contract with shipment
Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under
the Detailed Description of Goods section
Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the
item was first exported to Gabon or exported to Canada (depending on
which case applies)
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Galaktioni Tabidze 8 Gia Chanturia St. Tbilisi 0108 Gabon
Phone: +995 32 299 86 67
Carrier tracking number: 736534736 General Description: Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS Date: 28 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
US
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None Total number of packages: 1 Reason for export:Warranty Repair Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00 Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Temporary Imports
Goods imported into Gabon for a temporary stay may do so exempt from
taxes and duties provided:
They are destined for display at a trade fair or similar exhibition
They are returned to Canada within one year of their arrival in
Gabon
They are accompanied by a bank guarantee in the amount of fees owed
ATA Carnets
Gabonese authorities only accept ATA Carnets for commercial samples
Temporary Imports Checklist
Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written
in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods. (see sample)
The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no
repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
Stay no longer than the period listed above
Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received
within the country (whichever applies)
Any above listed items not listed in this checklist
Galaktioni Tabidze 8 Gia Chanturia St. Tbilisi 0108 Gabon
Phone: +995 32 299 86 67
Carrier tracking number: 736534736 General Description: Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2027
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS Date: 28 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 box
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment
CA
$1032.00
Terms of Sale: None Total number of packages: 1 Reason for export:Temporary Imports Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00 Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Permanent/Sold Goods
As there is no threshold (de minimis value) on shipments sent to
Gabon, all sold goods entering the country will incur duty and taxes
regardless of their value.
Occasional Shipper
Even if you only ship sold goods occasionally to Gabon, the recipient
will be liable to pay duty and taxes on the shipment.
Regular shipper
Regular shippers of sold goods to Gabon are strongly recommended to
consult a licenced Gabonese customs broker for their shipment. This is
to ensure that consignments have the necessary certificates to clear
customs.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
Ship To
Invoice
Galaktioni Tabidze 8 Gia Chanturia St. Tbilisi 0108 Gabon
Phone: +995 32 299 86 67
Carrier tracking number: 736534736 General Description: Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS Date: 28 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
15 Each
Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
CA
$132.00
Terms of Sale: None Total number of packages: 1 Reason for export:Permanent/Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00 Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Required Documents
Shipping packages internationally requires a lot of documentation. This
process alone can be confusing and time-consuming. So we’ve narrowed
down what documents you might need and ranked them based on likeliness of
being needed.
Document Type
When?
Details
Shipping Label / Bill of Lading
Always required
This is a label provided by the carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.).
Always required because the carrier needs to know the parcel's
destination.
Commercial Invoice
Required for all non-document shipments
For all non-document shipments, you will require 3 copies of the
commercial invoice (to be included with your shipping labels). These
are for customs purposes and need to be included inside a document
pouch outside of the box.
When creating a shipment through the Secureship website, the
system will help you create this document automatically.
B13a
Required if value exceeds $2,000 per shipment or is a controlled
good
A B13a is required if your shipment exceeds $2000 CAD or is a
controlled good and is destined to a country other than the US, Puerto Rico, or the US
Virgin Islands
Canada has a preferential trade agreement with Gabon. A COO
proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in
Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Gabon, it will
incur a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Infrequently required
Shows that the shipment has been insured.
Banks may request a certificate of insurance when providing letters
of credit for the goods. Otherwise, it is generally your choice
whether to purchase insurance for the shipment.
ATA Carnet
Infrequently required
Used to avoid duties and taxes on shipments of temporary nature.
If you ship goods of temporary nature to and from a country, you
can obtain an ATA Carnet to expedite the customs clearance process
and ensure that anything of temporary nature is not charged duties
and taxes.
No specific form required, but generally includes information regarding:
The exporter, importer and transport company
Date of issue
Number of freight invoice
Type and number of packages
Contents of each package
Marks and numbers
Net weight, gross weight and measurements of each package
Prohibited & Restricted Imports
Goods deemed prohibited by Gabonese customs will not be allowed entry to
the country while restricted goods may enter; however, they may be
restricted in quantity or require a permit.
Prohibited Items
Amulets and talismans known
as 'gris-gris' or 'fetishes'
Any object or material with
pornographic images
Psychotropic substances, narcotic
drugs
Relics and antiquities of any type
E-cigarette liquid (UPS cannot clear)
Restricted Items
Perishables - fruit and plants
Medications (for both veterinarians and
medical practitioners)
Gabonese authorities calculate the amount of duty and taxes owed on a
shipment entering the country by using its CIF Value. The CIF Value is
the sum of the customs value plus insurance amount plus freight costs.
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs
If you were to calculate the CIF Value of your shipment to Gabon, you
will have an estimate of the duty and tax (VAT) the recipient will have
to pay.
Thresholds
All imports of sold goods entering Gabon will incur duty and VAT
regardless of their value. There are no thresholds (also called de
minimis values) below which no fees are incurred.
Currency
CFA franc XAF
Duty Exemption (De minimis Value)
N/A
Duty Calculation Method
CIF
TAX (VAT)
18%
Tax Exemption (De minimis Value)
N/A
Tax Calculation Method
CIF
Duties on Imports
Excise Duties
Luxury goods entering Gabon will incur excise duties. The following
items are considered luxury goods: tobacco products, alcoholic
beverages, cosmetics, perfumes, salmon, and caviar.
Details of specific duty rates for the above products can be found here.
You can purchase insurance
through Secureship, and it is provided by the carrier that will be transporting
your shipment.
Each carrier will charge a different amount per $100 of declared
insurance. If you indicate that you need insurance for your shipment, our
system will automatically include the insurance costs for your shipment.
Insurance is great to have in case your package is accidentally lost or
damaged by the carrier. But be careful, not everything you ship is
insurable. Worse - even if your package contains items that are insurable,
if it doesn't meet the ISTA 3A packaging standard, the insurance purchased
through the carrier would not be available to you.
Here are some items that cannot be insured by the carrier:
Personal belongings
Antiques
Artwork
Liquids (including alcohol)
Televisions
Jewellery in excess of $500
Perishable goods
Glass or Ceramic
And many more items
For more information, please see the carrier's terms and conditions.
Shipping to Gabon from Canada can take between 3-5 business days through
the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform. More
economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 1-2
months to complete the delivery.
