Import and Export 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.

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.