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Import and Export in Gabon

Gabon may be best known for its oil and timber exports, but in recent years, the West-Central African nation has set its sights on a digital future. As a result, the demand for IT infrastructure and high-tech equipment is rising, and that spells opportunity for international vendors. However, import/export in Gabon can be complex due to local compliance regulations, high import duties, and logistical red tape.

Gabon

The Import/Export Landscape in Gabon

Gabon is a member of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC) and a signatory to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), both of which aim to improve trade across the region. While these agreements reduce tariffs among member states, international importers must still comply with Gabon’s national regulations, including customs documentation, classification standards, and VAT collection.

 

Here’s what you need to know when dealing with import/export in Gabon:

Key Customs Requirements:

  • Importer of Record (IOR) is mandatory: Only locally registered entities can clear goods through Gabonese customs.
  • Documentation: A bill of lading and commercial invoice must accompany all shipments.
  • Labeling: French labeling of price is required for both imported and local products. Non-French labeling is not prohibited but may limit market success.
  • VAT: Typically set at 18%, VAT applies to most imported goods.
  • Tariffs: Gabon follows the CEMAC Common External Tariff system:
  • RUSID Fee: Processing fees can range dramatically—between 2% and 80% of the CIF (cost, insurance, and freight) value.

These complex variables can increase your cost significantly if not adequately planned and classified.

Population

2.59M

Biggest Industry by Export

Petroleum products

Capital City

Libreville

Biggest Industry by Import

Special purpose ships

The Pain Points | Why Importing into Gabon Can Be Challenging

 

While Gabon’s focus on digital transformation is encouraging, the path to entry for IT and electronic goods is far from frictionless. Importers commonly face challenges such as:

Gabon
  • Unclear or inconsistent HS code classification, which can drastically affect duties
  • Bureaucratic delays during customs clearance due to paperwork or misclassification
  • Cost unpredictability from variable VAT, high import duties, and fluctuating RUSID fees
  • Requirement for a local entity to serve as Importer of Record—even if you’re not establishing physical operations in Gabon

Additionally, Gabon’s market for high-tech goods is still developing. With limited competition, shipping logistics and service providers can be expensive and unreliable. For many global companies, these obstacles pose enough of a deterrent to bypass the region altogether.

 

But that would be a missed opportunity, and it doesn’t have to be that way.

Countries That Trade with Gabon

Asia

China

Asia

Indonesia

Europe

Spain

Why Gabon Matters for Your Africa Strategy

Gabon is more than a logistics challenge—it’s a strategic gateway to Central Africa. With a relatively stable political environment and a forward-looking government, Gabon is positioning itself as a regional leader in digital transformation.

 

Tech imports, from basic networking gear to advanced servers, are in demand, and vendors who can solve the import puzzle stand to gain first-mover advantage.

 

Moreover, Gabon’s participation in AfCFTA means that once your goods enter Gabon, they could be re-exported to other African markets with lower tariffs and faster movement under the same trade bloc.

Expert Importer of Record Services in Gabon

At TecEx, we specialize in overcoming precisely these hurdles. Our importer of record services in Gabon are designed to help global tech companies move their products efficiently and compliantly into the region.

 

Through our Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) shipping model, we handle every aspect of the process, so you don’t have to. Here’s how we simplify import/export in Gabon:

What We Offer:

IOR Representation:

We act as your official Importer of Record, eliminating the need for a local branch or partner.

Pre-Compliance Reviews:

Ensure your tech products are correctly classified under Gabon’s tariff codes, minimizing unnecessary fees.

Customs Clearance:

We manage all documentation, liaise with customs authorities, and resolve issues before they cause delays.

Local Delivery:

After clearance, we coordinate last-mile delivery to your chosen site in Gabon.

Transparent Costing:

With our DDP model, you’ll know exactly what your total landed cost will be.

Ready to Export or Import to Gabon?

Our importer of record services in Gabon offer unmatched expertise, transparency, and peace of mind.

 

Contact our TecEx specialists today for a custom quote or to learn more about our Africa-wide compliance solutions.


Further Reading on Imports to Gabon