The west African country of Guinea has a diverse geography, and is the source of more than 20 rivers, three of which are important, major rivers to neighbouring nations. Geography has also blessed Guinea with many spectacular waterfalls, including the 100 metre wide Kambadaga of Fouta-Djallon.
E-commerce is a young industry in Guinea, much like its population - 40% of whom are aged 15 or younger. This generation will inevitably come to demand improved internet resources and create a substantial growth of e-commerce for all Guineans.
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Guinea through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Guinea. 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 Guinea
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Jun 2, 2023
8:49 am
Macenta , MA, GN
Delivered
Jun 1, 2023
7:18 am
Kindia , KI, GN
In transit
May 31, 2023
9:03 pm
Nzerekore , NZ, GN
International Clearance
May 31, 2023
8:14 am
Conakry , CO, GN
In transit
May 31, 2023
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
May 30, 2023
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan
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 Guinea before shipping any goods.
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 shipments to Guinea will incur duties and taxes no matter their value. There is no threshold below which no duties or taxes are collected by customs officials. No gift exemption as per https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_Us
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
Gift shipments from one individual to another individual are NOT exempt from duties and taxes. Even if the gift is of nominal value, Guinean customs will impose import fees.
Shipments from Business-to-Business
A gift shipment from a business in Canada to a business in Guinea will be liable to import duties and taxes even if the gift has a small value.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
If a business in Canada sends a gift to an individual in Guinea, the recipient will incur duties on the value of the gift no matter its value.
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 Guinea
Phone: +995 32 299 86 67
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 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 parcel contains multiple gifts, they should be wrapped and tagged separately.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Galaktioni Tabidze 8 Gia Chanturia St. Tbilisi 0108 Guinea
Phone: +995 32 299 86 67
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 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
Guinean citizens returning to live in Guinea permanently may be eligible to ship their personal effects exempt from most tax charges. The only exception is the RTL (Redevance pour Traitement de Liquidation - a 2% clearance fee).
NOTE: The claimant must present a change of residence certificate.
Moving Temporarily
Students
Students moving to Guinea to study may ship their clothing and linens exempt from duty and taxes
The exemption is allowed for new items, and the following rules are in place:
The items are only for the use of the student
The number and quality of the items in the shipment is appropriate for the student's socioeconomic circumstances
The importation occurs within 2 months of the student's registration in the school
All items come in one consignment
He or she possesses a certificate from the school stating an admission to its system
Non-students
Non-students moving to Guinea temporarily may ship their personal effects to the country as a temporary import, which will be duty and tax free.
A fee of 2% will be incurred (called the RTL - Redevance pour Traitement de Liquidation).
Moving Permanently
Guineans who have been living in Canada may benefit from tax exemptions on their personal effects when they return to Guinea to live permanently. (However, a 2% clearance fee - called RTL - Redevance pour Traitement de Liquidation, will be incurred.)
NOTE: A certificate of a change of residence will be required.
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, you must have a certificate from the school indicating your enrolment in the institution
For Guineans returning permanently, a certificate of residence will be required
Galaktioni Tabidze 8 Gia Chanturia St. Tbilisi 0108 Guinea
Phone: +995 32 299 86 67
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 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 imported into Guinea that will be displayed at exhibitions and trade fairs will be allowed a duty and tax free entry into the country provided they are temporary imports.
Advertising Material Checklist
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for Resale' (see sample)
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
Ship To
Invoice
Galaktioni Tabidze 8 Gia Chanturia St. Tbilisi 0108 Guinea
Phone: +995 32 299 86 67
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 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
Equipment and machinery imported into Guinea from Canada for repairs will be admitted duty and tax free provided they are returned to Canada within the prescribed time period.
Items Under Warranty
Machinery and other items repaired in Canada without charge under a warranty guarantee will be allowed re-entry into Guinea exempt from all duty and tax charges.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
Goods that are no longer under warranty that are repaired in Canada will be liable to all duty charges when they are returned to Guinea.
Sending Product for Repair to Guinea
If you are shipping items to Guinea for repair, they may enter the country exempt from duties as long as they leave Guinea for Canada within the agreed upon time constraint.
Returning Repaired Product to Guinea
Provided any machinery or equipment was repaired in Canada under a warranty and without charge, they will be allowed a duty and tax free re-entry into Guinea.
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 Guinea 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 Guinea
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: 30 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 for a temporary stay in Guinea are allowed a tax and duty-free entry into the country.
Items eligible for this exemption include:
Equipment and machinery for repair
Materials and commercial samples for display or demonstration at an exhibition, trade fair, international meeting, or other similar events
Equipment for cultural and sporting events
Goods to be processed
ATA Carnets
Guinea does not recognise ATA Carnets for temporary imports.
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 Guinea
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: 30 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
Relatively small value shipments of sold goods ($80 USD or less - about $100 CAD) may enter Guinea duty and tax free.
Occasional Shipper
Occasional shipments of sold goods may enter Guinea exempt from duty and VAT if the shipment's value is no more than $80 USD (about $100 CAD).
Regular shipper
Regular shippers of sold goods to Guinea are recommended to employ the services of a licenced Guinean customs broker to ensure their goods enter the country efficiently and without unnecessary delays. This is particularly important for shipments valued at $2,000 USD or greater (about $2,500 CAD).
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
Ship To
Invoice
Galaktioni Tabidze 8 Gia Chanturia St. Tbilisi 0108 Guinea
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: 30 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 Guinea. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Guinea, 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
Prohibited goods will not be allowed to enter Guinea. Those deemed restricted will be allowed entry to the country, but there may be permits required or limitations to the quantity of items in a shipment.
The amount of duty and taxes levied on imports entering Guinea is calculated using the CIF value of the shipment. That is: the sum of the customs value plus insurance costs plus freight fees.
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs
By calculating the CIF value of your shipment, you will have an estimate of the duty and VAT owed by the recipient.
Thresholds
The threshold (also called a de minimis value) on imports entering Guinea is $80 USD (about $100 CAD). This means that on a shipment of $80 USD or less, no duty or taxes will be incurred.
Currency
Guinean Franc (GNF)
Duty Exemption (De minimis Value)
$80 USD (about $100 CAD)
Duty Calculation Method
CIF
TAX (VAT)
18%
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
$80 USD (about $100 CAD)
Tax Calculation Method
CIF
Duties on Imports
Excise Taxes
Guinean customs officials impose excise taxes on several imports, including:
Alcoholic beverages (47%)
Cosmetics and perfumes (5%)
products (35%)
Other Taxes
Imports into Guinea incur other taxes such as the ECOWAS* common external tariff, RTL - processing and assessment fee, and ECOWAS community levy (PC). Details of these taxes may be found
here.
Some items (luxury goods) will also be liable to a surtax.
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 Guinea 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.
