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
Guinea customs allows the following items entry to the country as a
document shipment:
- Advertising literature
- Airline tickets
- Annual reports
- Bids and proposals
- Blueprints
- Business cards
- Cash letters
- Catalogues and price lists
- Charts and maps
- Computer print-outs
- Diplomas
- Drawings (includes sepia drawings)
- Driver's licence
- Graphs
- Intercompany mail
- Manuscripts and publications
- Mylars
- Pamphlets
- Passports
- Seismic data
The items in the table below may enter Guinea as a document shipment
provided they comply with the listed restriction.
| Item | Restriction |
|---|
| Brochures | Maximum shipment weight of 2 kg |
| Calendars | Maximum parcel weight of 5 kg |
| Envelopes | Must be blank |
| Event tickets (stage and concert performances; soccer games) | Tickets cannot be sent from a printing company en route to an
event organiser or ticket sales office |
| Forms | Only if blank |
| Greeting cards and invitations | Shipment can be no more than 1 kg |
| Magazines, periodicals, and newspapers | Maximum shipment weight of 2 kg |
| Manuals | Provided manuals are of a technical nature and parcel weighs a
maximum of 2 kg |
| Newsletters | Only company communication is allowed |
| Specification sheets | Shipment weight maximum of 2 kg |
| Stationery | Must be blank |
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
Shipping Gifts
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: 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 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: 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.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
Shipping Personal Effects
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
Sources:
https://dgd.gov.gn/guineen-etranger/
https://dgd.gov.gn/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Arrete-A-2006-1771-MEF-SGG-du-....portant-exemption-conditionnelles-et-exceptionnelles-a-lentree-ou-a-la-sortie.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects
| 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 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
Guinean authorities prohibit the importation of foodstuffs into their
country with exception of candies and chocolate.
You May Ship
Do Not Ship
- Perishables - meat, produce
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
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Galaktioni Tabidze
8 Gia Chanturia St.
Tbilisi 0108
Guinea
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 may be shipped to Guinea from Canada exempt from
duty and taxes provided they are of very little monetary value.
Samples are shipped to display products and solicit sales; they are
not intended to be sold.
NOTE:
Commercial samples destined
for exhibitions or similar events may enter Guinea as a temporary
import (see Temporary Imports for details).
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://etls.ecowas.int/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/ECOWAS-CUSTOMS-CODE-FINAL-27092017FELIX.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
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: 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 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)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
Sources:
https://dgd.gov.gn/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/CODE-DES-DOUANES_Guinee-.pdf
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: 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
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
Sources:
https://dgd.gov.gn/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/CODE-DES-DOUANES_Guinee-.pdf
https://etls.ecowas.int/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/ECOWAS-CUSTOMS-CODE-FINAL-27092017FELIX.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
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: 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 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
Sources:
https://dgd.gov.gn/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/CODE-DES-DOUANES_Guinee-.pdf
https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=q:/WT/TPR/S370R1.pdf&Open=True
Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
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: 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
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).
Sources:
https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=q:/WT/TPR/S370R1.pdf&Open=True
https://global-express.org/assets/files/GEA%20De%20Minimis%20Country%20information_6%20December%202021.pdf
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: 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
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.
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.
*Economic Community of West African States
- Candy35%
- Chocolate35%
- Spirits and wines47%
- Tobacco35%
- Books0%
- Documents0%
- Video games & consoles20%
- Computers & laptops5%
- Tablets5%
- Mobiles10%
- Cameras20%
- Accessories for Electronics5%
- Coats20%
- Beauty products & cosmetics20%
- Jewellery20%
- Shirts & pants20%
- Home appliances20%
- Toys20%
- Sports equipment20%
Sources:
https://www.macmap.org/
https://dgd.gov.gn/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/CODE-DES-DOUANES_Guinee-.pdf
https://dgd.gov.gn/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Copie-de-TEC-version-SH-2022-GP.xls
https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=q:/WT/TPR/S370R1.pdf&Open=True
https://global-express.org/assets/files/GEA%20De%20Minimis%20Country%20information_6%20December%202021.pdf
Questions
about Shipping to Guinea
Can I ship to Guinea?
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.
Find out
how fast the Secureship trusted carriers can get your shipment
delivered to Guinea by getting a quote now.
Does UPS ship to Guinea?
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How much is it to send a parcel to Guinea?
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What is the cheapest way to ship from Canada to Guinea?
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