Gabon Import Duties & Taxes Explained

Gabon requires a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for regulated items like electronics and appliances. Without this certification, your shipment may face delays or clearance blocks upon arrival.Certain essential goods may have temporarily suspended duties and VAT through February 2026, though this typically does not apply to standard consumer retail items.

The standard VAT rate is 18%. This tax is calculated on the total CIF value (cost, insurance, and freight) plus any applicable customs duties.

Duty applies to almost all imports valued over $10 USD arriving from outside the CEMAC zone. Rates vary by product type, ranging from 5% for essentials to 30% for luxury items.

Rates depend on the product classification under the CEMAC Common External Tariff. Most consumer goods fall into the intermediate category with a typical 20% rate.

Yes, carriers often charge processing or disbursement fees, and a small computer/scanning tax of about 1–1.5% may apply to the CIF value. Regulated items like electronics might also require a Certificate of Conformity.

The Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects (Gabonese Customs) collects all duties and taxes. Your carrier typically advances these costs and collects them from you upon delivery.

Taxes are based on the CIF value (item cost plus shipping and insurance) plus the duty amount. This total forms the taxable base for the 18% VAT calculation.

Yes, customs calculations are done in Central African CFA francs (XAF), so exchange rate changes between USD and XAF will impact your final bill. The carrier will convert the amount at the time of payment.

As of early 2026, some essential goods like food staples have a temporary duty and VAT suspension, but this generally does not apply to standard consumer retail items. Check if your item qualifies before shipping.