Cape Verde Import Duties & Taxes Explained

You'll likely pay customs charges on your shipment if it exceeds $200 USD or if you've already received 3 personal shipments this year. Charges include 15% Import VAT and customs duties ranging from 0-50%, calculated on the total value of your item plus shipping and insurance.

The standard Import VAT rate in Cape Verde is 15%. This tax is calculated on the total CIF value of your shipment plus any applicable customs duty.

Customs duty applies to most new consumer goods and commercial items entering Cape Verde. Rates typically range from 5% to 20% for common items like electronics and clothing, though they can go up to 50% depending on the product category.

Duties are calculated as a percentage of the CIF value (item cost, insurance, and freight). The 15% VAT is then applied to the sum of that CIF value plus the duty amount.

Yes, carriers like DHL or FedEx typically charge an administrative fee for advancing payment of taxes and duties, often around 2% of the tax amount or a minimum flat fee. A small Ecologic Charge may also apply to packaging materials.

The Tax and Customs Authority of Cape Verde (ATCV) collects all applicable duties and taxes upon entry. The carrier will usually collect these fees on behalf of the authority before delivering your shipment.

You can estimate costs by adding 10-20% for duty and 15% VAT on top of your item value plus shipping, though final charges depend on the specific product classification. Use our worked example as a guide, but remember that actual fees are determined by Cape Verde customs.

Used personal household goods may be eligible for tax-free entry if you are moving to Cape Verde, but this requires specialized documentation. Standard consumer electronics and new items in your shipment will generally be taxed.

Ensure your shipping invoice clearly lists itemized values, as Cape Verde now requires e-invoicing for customs clearance. Accurate documentation helps prevent delays in processing your shipment.

The provided research does not include specific cigarette or tobacco import allowances for Cape Verde. Your shipment will be subject to Cape Verde's standard import taxes (15% VAT and 0–50% customs duty) when it arrives, but tobacco-specific quantity limits are not documented in the available information.