Shipping to and from Gabon

Limark in Gabon

Connecting Gabon across Africa and beyond

Limark’s commitment to Gabon dates back to our company’s inception. Today, our team is an integral part of the local logistics landscape. We provide tailored solutions for businesses navigating the complexities of Gabonese trade, offering expertise in everything from container shipping and customs clearance to project cargo handling.

Limark Gabon’s consistent growth reflects our deep understanding of the region’s unique trade complexities. Our dedicated team prioritizes reliable, compliant solutions that safeguard your shipments and streamline your Gabonese operations. Let Limark’s experience and market knowledge be your competitive advantage.

Import regulations

Importing goods to Gabon requires navigating specific procedures and documentation. Here’s a breakdown of the essential requirements:

Regulations and restrictions

Product categories requiring import licenses/permits

Agricultural products:

Live animals, animal products – Import permit from Ministry of Agriculture
Plants, seeds, plant products – Phytosanitary certificate required

Food products:

Processed foods – Import permit from the Ministry of Commerce
Baby foods, dietary supplements – Permit from Ministry of Health
Beverages – Import license required

Pharmaceutical/Medical products:

Medicines, medical equipment – Import permit from the Ministry of Health
Narcotics/controlled substances – Special permits required

Chemical products:

Industrial chemicals – Import license from the Ministry of Environment
Pesticides, fertilizers – Permit from Ministry of Agriculture

Petroleum products:

Fuels, lubricants – Import license from Ministry of Petroleum

Weapons, Munitions, Explosives:

Import licenses/permits from the Ministry of Defense/Security

Precious metals, and gemstones:

Import permit from the Ministry of Mines

Vehicles and parts:

Import license for new/used vehicles from the Ministry of Transport

Prohibited imports

Narcotic drugs
Counterfeit goods, pirated materials
Toxic or hazardous waste
Pornographic materials
Plastic bags and some plastic products
Ivory and ivory products under CITES

Restricted imports

Used clothing/shoes (limited exceptions)
Right-hand drive vehicles
Remotely detonated weapons/explosives

Relevant agencies

Directorate General of Gabonese Customs (DGDG)
Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Rural Development
Ministry of Economy, Commerce, and Recovery
Ministry of Health
Ministry of Environment
Ministry of Petroleum and Hydrocarbons
Ministry of Mines and Geological Resources
Ministry of Defense and Security

Required import documents

Standard documents:

Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Bill of Lading/Air Waybill
Import Permit/License (for regulated goods)
Certificate of Origin
Import Declaration (GAGU, IM8 forms)
Freight Insurance Policy

Product-specific certificates

Phytosanitary Certificate (plants, agriculture)
Health/Sanitary Certificate (foods, animals)
Radiation Certification (radioactive materials)
CITES Permit (wildlife trade goods)
Certificate of Conformity (products to standards)

Commercial invoice requirements

Correct HS codes for all goods
Detailed product descriptions, quantities, weights
Value and currency for goods
Terms of delivery/sale (Incoterms)
Final destination in Gabon

Packing list info

List of packages/containers
Contents of each, with descriptions and quantities
Gross and net weights
Dimensions and package markings

Bill of lading requirements

Shipper/consignee names and address
Notify party details
Description of goods, HS codes
Seal numbers for containers
Number of packages and types

Demurrage and detention

Free time for import containers

10 calendar days free demurrage at ports
Calculated from container discharge date
Demurrage charges after free time (port authority tariffs):
- 20′ Container

Days 11-15: $25 per day

After day 15: $50 per day

40′ Container

Days 11-15: $40 per day

After day 15: $80 per day

Detention charges (shipping line fees)

Generally, $80-$120 per container per day
Applies after allowed free time post-pickup

Container dwell time limits

Import containers must be cleared within 30 calendar days
After 30 days, transferred to off-terminal depot
Depot storage fees: Around $5 per TEU per day

Hazardous cargo

Import permits required for

Explosives, ammunition, firearms – Ministry of Defense
Radioactive materials – Ministry of Mines (Radiation Protection Div)
Hazardous industrial chemicals – Ministry of Environment
Controlled products (drugs, psychotropics, etc.)

Application requirements

Description of goods and intended use
MSDS/Safety data sheets
Import license/authorization
Storage, handling, and transport plans
May require pre-import inspection

Labeling and documentation

Hazard placarding per IMDG/ICAO codes
Proper packaging and segregation
Import declaration (IM8 document)
Certificate of Origin
Handling certifications/approvals

Inspections and controls

Radiation scanning/detection
Physical inspection of documents/cargo
Sampling and testing of goods
Monitoring and verification at destination

Import licenses and permits process

General procedure

Identify relevant regulating ministry for the goods
Compile required documents (import contracts, product details, etc.)
Submit application with documents and pay fees
Wait for review, screening, and approval process
Receive import permit/license documentation
Some permits require additional inspections/testing

Food/Agricultural product permits

Apply to the Ministry of Agriculture or Commerce
Provide import contracts, supplier details
Product composition, test reports, intended use
Import permit fees around $75-$150
Validity typically 6-12 months, renewable

Pharmaceutical/Medical permits

Application to Ministry of Health
Submit product dossiers, manufacturing details
Site audits/inspections may be required
Permit fees $200-$500 based on product
Validity period 2-5 years

Other product examples

Chemicals/Petroleum – Ministry of Environment/Petroleum
Vehicles – Ministry of Transport- Arms/Munitions – Ministry of Defense
Fees vary, validity around 1 year

Customs clearance process

Use of licensed customs broker is required
Broker submits Import Declaration on ASYCUDA system
Provide all required documents (permits, certificates, etc.)
Pay applicable duties, taxes, and fees
Customs inspects documentation and cargo
Non-intrusive inspection (scanning) is standard
Physical inspection based on risk criteria
If compliant, goods are cleared and released

Import duties

Most goods are 20-30% based on the HS code from Common External Tariff
Some preferential rates for CEMAC/ECCAS member countries

Other taxes and fees

Statistical Tax – 2% of CIF value
Value Added Tax (TVA) – 18%
Community Integration Tax – 0.4% of CIF
Computer Fee – 2,000 FCFA per declaration

Inspections and verification

Documentary checks of HS codes, valuations
Non-intrusive scanning of containers
Physical inspection for random or risk shipments
Sampling/testing of food, chemicals, etc.

Port/Terminal Details

Seaports:

Port of Owendo
- Main commercial gateway, 9 berths
- Max draft 10.5m, can handle Panamax vessels
- Cut-off for docs – 5 calendar days pre-arrival
- 24/7 gate operations
- On-dock storage for import containers up to 30 days
- On-site container freight station
Port Gentil
- Secondary port, oil/bulk cargo focus
- 8 berths, max draft 9m
- Mostly exports, some import capability
- Documentation cut-off 5 days pre-arrival
Air cargo hub
- Libreville International Airport (LBV)
- Main air cargo gateway, cold storage
- Cargo documentation cut-off 4 hours pre-arrival
- Limited import storage facilities
- Agents handle on/offloading

Container operations

Import containers must be cleared within 30 days
Limited on-dock storage beyond 30 days
Off-dock depots provide longer-term storage
Depot free times ~5 days before charges

Export regulations

Get a detailed guide that provides an in-depth look into every aspect of the export process to ensure your goods are shipped efficiently and in compliance with all legal standards.

Regulations and restrictions

Products requiring export licenses/permits

Timber/Forest products:

Logs, sawn wood, veneers – Export license from Ministry of Forests
Finished wood products like furniture – May require permit
CITES permit for endangered tree species

Mineral products:

Crude oil, petroleum products – Export permit from Min. of Petroleum
Precious metals (gold, platinum) – Permit from Ministry of Mines
Industrial minerals (manganese, iron ore, etc.) – May require permit

Agricultural/Food products

Coffee, cocoa beans – Export permit from Ministry of Agriculture
Certain plants, fruits, and vegetables – Phytosanitary certificate
Meat, fish, animal products – Health/Vet certificate

Wildlife products

Live animals – CITES export permit required
Animal trophies, skins, ivory – Permits from Wildlife authorities

Other products

Diamonds (rough) – Kimberley Process certificate
Manufactured goods – May require permits
Artworks, antiques – Permit from Cultural Ministry

Prohibited exports

Unprocessed logs and timber prohibited
Raw/uncut diamonds prohibited
Narcotic drugs prohibited
Arms, ammunition, and explosives strictly controlled

Restricted exports

Certain wildlife/endangered species under CITES
Currency and precious metal coins are restricted
Some minerals/ores subject to quotas

Customs and documentation requirements

Export documentation

Commercial invoice
Packing list
Bill of lading/air waybill
Certificate of origin
Export permit/license (if required)
Export declaration (GAGU form)

Other certificates as required

Phytosanitary certificate (plants, agriculture)
Health/Veterinary certificate (animals, animal products)
CITES export permit (endangered species)
Kimberley Process cert (rough diamonds)
EUR1/GSP preferential cert (some destinations)
Quality/Inspection certificates

Export declaration process

Exporter obtains all necessary permits/licenses
Exporter/broker submits export declaration on ASYCUDA system
Provide all documentation – invoice, packing list, certs/permits
Pay any applicable duties, taxes, fees
Customs reviews documents and may inspect cargo
If compliant, goods are cleared for export

Sanctions for non-compliance

Penalties for false declarations, missing docs
Fines and potential criminal charges
Seizure of goods
Loss of export/customs privileges

Terminal/Port operations

Port of Owendo

Main commercial port, 9 berths
Focus on exports of wood, minerals, agricultural goods
Max draft 10.5m, Panamax vessels
Documentation cut-off: 5 days before vessel arrival
24-hour gate operations

Port Gentil

Main oil export terminal, 8 berths
Max draft 9m
Some capacity for general cargo exports
Documentation cut-off: 5 days prior to arrival

Container operations

Owendo has on-dock storage for exports
Free storage for around 10 calendar days
After free time: $25/day for 20′ box, $50/day for 40′
Off-dock depots available for longer-term storage

Air cargo exports

Libreville International Airport
- Cut-off times vary by airline (4-6 hours typical)
- Export cargo reception and screening areas
- Cold storage for perishables

Cargo handling and fees

Returning empty containers

Allowed around 4 hours free time to return containers
After free time, detention is charged by lines ($80-$120/day)
Terminals may also charge fines for overstaying allowance

Export duties and taxes

Most exports exempt from duties and taxes
Some exceptions like logs (3-6% duty), precious metals (5-10%)
Repatriation tax/withholding tax on export proceeds (5-10%)
Excise duties on some exports like beverages (5-25%)

Other fees and charges

Port handling charges ($100-$200 per container)
Customs clearance fees ($75-$150 per declaration)
Extra charges for reefers, hazardous goods, weighing, etc.
Administrative fees, stamp duties, security charges
FOB inspection/verification fees (around 0.95% of FOB value)

Expertise You Can Trust

Simplify Gabon trade—expert end-to-end logistics

Navigating Gabon’s complex trade regulations can be a minefield. Non-compliance often leads to costly delays and penalties. Simplify your Gabon shipments with Limark. Our extensive expertise in cross-border shipping to and from Gabon ensures seamless, compliant cargo movement from origin to final destination.

We know reliable, predictable shipping is crucial for your Gabon operations. With a proven on-time delivery record, Limark delivers peace of mind. Our dedicated team manages every step — from customs clearance to inland transportation — with precision. Strategic partnerships and streamlined processes often translate into potential cost savings for your business.

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Contact our regional experts

Partner with experienced freight forwarders and customs brokers for seamless shipping to and from Gabon. Ensure full documentation compliance with the guidance and logistics services of our team.