Guinea Bissau

Guinea Bissau Customs Contacts

Customs and Immigration Office

Tel: +245 6714904

Guinea-Bissau is a country situated in West Africa, bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean, Guinea and Senegal. It is a member of the United Nations, African Union, Economic Community of West African States (UEMOA) and the South Atlantic Peace and Cooperation Zone. Guinea Bissau is open to international trade. Trade policy aims to strengthen relations with many countries and organizations in order to develop its foreign trade.

Tariffs

Being a member of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) Guinea Bissau applies a common external tariff (CET). The CET establishes 4 categories of products on which tariffs are 0%, 5%, 10% and 20%. 

Guinea Bissau also applies a general sales tax (IGV) at the rate of 15%. The IGV is calculated on the  the c.i.f. value plus import duties and levies and excise duties (where applicable). 

In addition, there is a 1% statistics tax and a 1% Community Solidarity Levy applied to the c.i.f. value.

There are certain products exempted from customs duties. 

Product certification, labelling and packaging

To import products into Guinea Bissau traders will need import licenses, as well as sanitary and phytosanitary certificates. 

Labels should provide basic information:

• common name
• list of ingredients
• the net quantity
• durable life date
• grade / quality
• country of origin 
• the name and address of the manufacturer\importer

Labels also should provide information on the health and nutritional aspects of the product, instructions on storage and handling and nutritional profile (amount of fat, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals).

Documents for import

• Bill of lading
• Cargo release order
• Commercial invoice
• Customs import declaration
• Electronic Loading Certificate (CEE)
• Import license
• Packing list

Sources:

https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/s266_sum_e.pdf 

http://web.ita.doc.gov/tacgi/OverSeasNew.nsf/alldata/Guinea-Bissau 

https://www.iamovers.org/files/newimages/member/shippers/guinea-bissau.pdf