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:
You can also skip ahead to the table containing the list of
Commonly Required Documents.
Documents Only
Gabon allows the following items into the country as a document
shipment provided the parcel weighs no more than 5 kg.
- Advertising literature
- Airline tickets
- Annual reports and intercompany reports
- Blueprints and drawings
- Brochures and pamphlets
- Business cards
- Calendars
- Cash letters, negotiable bonds, and drafts
- Catalogues and price lists
- Charts and maps
- Cheques and credit cards
- Computer print-outs
- Diplomas
- Driver's licence
- Graphs
- Greeting cards and invitations
- Manuscripts and publications
- Mylars
- Magazines, newspapers, and periodicals
- Photographs
- Proposals and bids
- Seismic data
- Sepia drawings
- Specifications sheets
The items below will be allowed entry into Gabon if the restriction
shown is followed.
| Item | Restriction |
|---|
| Envelopes | Only if blank |
| Event tickets - stage and musical performances, football
matches | Cannot be a shipment from a printing company to an event
organiser or ticket sales office |
| Forms | Provided they are blank |
| Manuals | Must be of a technical nature |
| Newsletters | For intercompany use only |
| Stationery | Must be blank |
| Traveller's cheques | Must be personalised |
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_CA
Shipping Gifts
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 |
Sources:
https://www.fedex.com/en-us/ancillary-clearance-service.html
Shipping Personal Effects
Personal effects shipped to Gabon by Canadian citizens or Gabonese
nationals returning to live permanently will be exempt from duty fees
and taxes.
Exemptions will be granted provided:
- The goods arrive as one shipment when the change of residence occurs
- The amount of goods in the shipment is in line with the size of the
household
- All of the goods have been owned and used by the claimant for at
least 6 months
Moving Temporarily
Students
Students moving to Gabon may ship their personal effects duty and tax
free as long as:
- The goods arrive in one shipment within 2 months of the student
starting school
- The student can provide paperwork showing admission to an
educational facility
- The amount of goods in the shipment is appropriate to the lifestyle
and living arrangements of the student
The exemption is applicable to clothing and linens. (Pieces of fabric
do not qualify for exemption; they are taxable and dutiable.)
Non-students
There is no information at this time concerning non-students shipping
their personal effects to Gabon for a temporary stay.
Moving Permanently
Gabonese and Canadian citizens who move permanently to Gabon may ship
their personal effects duty and tax free.
Tax and duty exemption on personal effects are allowed if:
- The shipment's size corresponds to the number of people in the
household
- All items arrive in one consignment when the change of residence
takes effect
- The goods are used and have belonged to the owner for a minimum of 6
months
Personal Effects Checklist
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Personal Effects' (see sample)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
- For students, a certificate indicating acceptance at an educational
institution
Sources:
https://douanes.ga/particuliers/autres-franchises
http://www.droit-afrique.com/upload/doc/cemac/CEMAC-Acte-1992-02-exonerations-douanieres.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects
| 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 effects being delivered to my new address.
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 5 Pairs | Personal Effects: 5 pairs of various types of shoes
| IN | $40.00 |
| 1 Each | Personal Effects: Arc'terix Winter Jacket
| CA | $478.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Personal Effects
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $678.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Food, Chocolate, Candies
Most foodstuffs to individuals may enter Gabon without restrictions
provided they are small shipments to a family or individual.
NOTE:
Commercial invoices must
show the shipper's name and signature; electronic invoices are not
allowed.
You May Ship
- Chocolate
- Candy
- Most foodstuffs
Do Not Ship
Food, Chocolate, Candies Checklist
- Clearly indicate 'Food' on the commercial invoice in the General Description
or Remarks section (see sample)
- Ensure that your food, chocolate, or candies may be imported into the
country
- You are not shipping commercial quantities (for any duty & tax exemption)
- Check with your carrier that they will accept food shipments
Sources:
https://www.agasa.site/first/importation-et-exportation/
https://www.fedex.com/en-us/ancillary-clearance-service.html
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 2021 (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
Sources:
https://douanes.ga/particuliers/autres-franchises
Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Galaktioni Tabidze
8 Gia Chanturia St.
Tbilisi 0108
Gabon
Phone: +995 32 299 86 67 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Box | Commercial Sample - Advanced reading copy of Dan Brown's novel.
| CA | $20.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Commercial Sample
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 |
Advertising Material
Advertising material in the form of publications and posters may enter
Gabon exempt from duties as long as:
- They are promoting overseas tourism, exhibitions, or fairs
- They are distributed at no charge
- They contain no more than 25% commercial advertising
Advertising Material Checklist
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for
Resale' (see sample)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
Sources:
https://douanes.ga/particuliers/autres-franchises
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
Sources:
http://www.droit-afrique.com/upload/doc/cemac/CEMAC-Acte-1992-02-exonerations-douanieres.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
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
Sources:
https://www.setoa.it/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/scheda_export_documents_en_gabon.pdf
http://www.wcoomd.org/-/media/wco/public/global/pdf/topics/facilitation/instruments-and-tools/conventions/ata/handbookconvention-on-temporary-admission-istanbul-26-june-1990_en.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
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 2020
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 |
Duty &
Taxes
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.
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.
- Candy30%
- Chocolate30%
- Spirits and winesVariable
- Tobacco32%*
- Books0%
- Documents0%
- Video games & consoles30%
- Computers & laptops10%
- Tablets10%
- Mobiles10%
- Cameras30%
- Accessories for Electronics10%
- Coats30%
- Beauty products & cosmetics30%
- Jewellery30%
- Shirts & pants30%
- Home appliances30%
- Toys30%
- Sports equipment30%
*XAF 150/package (about 33¢ CAD)
Sources:
https://www.macmap.org/
https://33bbf3d5-c3fe-409d-a723-d22ea129e9a0.usrfiles.com/ugd/33bbf3_961718f56aa44ea9be81f619684e4001.pdf
https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/gabon/corporate/other-taxes
Gabon Shipping Insurance
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.
Questions
about Shipping to Gabon
Can I ship to Gabon?
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.
Find out
how fast the Secureship trusted carriers can get your shipment
delivered to Gabon by getting a quote now.
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