Central African Republic

Used Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

• Copy of passport
• Packing list
• Original bill of lading (OBL) - no express release / air waybill (AWB)
• Original valued inventory in French, dated, and signed by the owner of the goods
• Invoices for all electrical items less than 6 months old
• Resident or work permit or letter from the employer
• Non-sale certificate (declaration on the honor that the owner of the goods will not sell personal effects in Central African Republic
• Bordereau de Suivi de Cargaison (BSC) / cargo tracking note (CTN)
• Personal identification number (NIF)

 

Specific Information

• The BSC / CTN are compulsory documents for all sea shipments going to the Central Africa Republic, which must be obtained at origin.
• All documents must be provided to agent prior to arrival of the shipment in order to apply and be granted duty free clearance prior to arrival of the shipment.
• A 1% import tax is levied for all personal effects shipment to Central African Republic equal to 1% of declared value.
• Goods that are not exempt from import taxes:

  • Computers	80% CIF + VAT 18%
    Alcohol	67.5% CIF + VAT 18%
    Tobacco	77.5% CIF + VAT 18%
    New electrical appliances	80% CIF + VAT 18%
    Vehicles	48% - 78% (varies with power of the car) + VAT 18%

 

 

 

 

• Diplomatic shipments are duty free except for:

  • Computers	80% CIF + VAT 18%
    Vehicles	0.5% CIF

 

 

• All shipments are applicable for RGS tax (0.5% of declared value).
• All shipments are checked by Customs.

 

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

• Original registration card
• Owner of the goods’ driver’s license
• Original purchase invoice
• Non-sale certificate
• Export declaration (new cars)

 

Specific Information

• Taxes on vehicles will depend on age, power etc.
• The OBL must show chassis number, engine number, cubic capacity, year of manufacture, brand, and model.
• If the car is new, an export declaration is required.

 

Pets

Documents Required

• Veterinary health certificate
• Vaccination record

 

Specific Information

• Dogs and cats coming into the country require a veterinary certificate confirming the animal’s prior vaccination against rabies.

 

Restricted/Dutiable Items

• Firearms and ammunitions must be declared prior to entry into the country (authorization from the territorial administration required)
• Cameras, film and currency must be declared prior to entry into the country
• Perfume (5 bottles)
• Alcohol (only “Fond de Cave”) is acceptable and duty free (max 20 bottles)

• Tobacco products (2 kg) Cigarettes (1000) Cigars (250)	77.5% CIF + VAT 18%
  New electrical appliances Computer	80% CIF + VAT 18%	Also applies to diplomatic shipments
  Vehicles	48% - 78% CIF + VAT 18% 0.5% CIF + VAT 18%	CIF value depends on power of the car Diplomatic shipments
  Alcohol	67.5% CIF + VAT 18%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prohibited Items

• Narcotics and illegal drugs
• Alcohol - must be sent separately and labeled as “Fond de Cave” (maximum 20 bottles)
• Pornography and subversive materials
• Explosives

 

Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

 

NOTE: Customs rules can shift at any time with or without notice. This paper is meant to be informative and a guide. ISF Customs Broker offers no claim, either explicit or implied, as to the correctness or relevance of this paper although ISF Customs Broker has taken reasonable care in releasing it.