Shipping to and from Gambia

Limark in Gambia

Connecting Gambia across Africa and beyond

Providing you with expert guidance for navigating The Gambia’s complex trade landscape.

From a leading Gambian shipping provider, we leverage our extensive network and deep local knowledge to ensure seamless cargo movement. Our expertise spans the export of key Gambian commodities, like groundnuts, sesame, cashew nuts, scrap metals, seafood, etc., to destinations across Africa and beyond.

We recognize The Gambia’s position as a vital import hub, facilitating the flow of finished goods and foodstuffs from around the world. Limark Gambia ensures reliable on-forwarding of these goods into the country. Trust our end-to-end logistics solutions to streamline your Gambian trade operations and unlock new opportunities for your business.

Import regulations

Importing goods to Gambia 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 Dept. of Livestock Services
Plants, seeds, grains – Phytosanitary certificate and import permit required
Pesticides, veterinary medicines – Permit from National Environment Agency (NEA)

Food products:

Processed/packaged foods – Import permit from Food Safety Authority
Alcoholic beverages – Import permit required from Customs

Pharmaceutical/Medical products:

Medicines, drugs – Import permit from Medicines Board
Medical equipment/devices – May require permit based on category

Chemical products:

Industrial chemicals, solvents, acids/bases – Import permit from NEA
Fertilizers – Permit from Dept. of Agriculture

Petroleum products:

Fuels, lubricants, bitumen, etc. – Import permit from Petroleum Commission

Weapons/Explosives/Ammunition:

Strict import licenses are required from the Interior Ministry

Precious metals/gemstones:

Import permit from the Geology Department

Vehicles:

Import permit for new and used vehicles/motorcycles

Prohibited imports

Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
Pornographic and seditious materials
Live or dead game trophies (without CITES)
Used clothing and shoes (except personal effects)
Counterfeit goods and pirated materials
Plastic bags and some plastic products

Restricted imports

Right-hand drive vehicles
Certain agro-chemicals and hazardous materials
Endangered species/products under CITES

Relevant agencies

Gambia Revenue Authority – Customs Services
Food Safety and Quality Authority
National Environment Agency (NEA)
Dept. of Livestock Services
Dept. of Agriculture
Medicines Control Agency
Geology Department
Petroleum Commission

Demurrage and detention

Free time for containers

7 working days free demurrage after discharge

Demurrage charges (per container, per day after free time):

20′ Container

Days 1-7: D2,000 ($38)
Day 8 onward: D3,000 ($57)

40′ Container

Days 1-7: D3,000 ($57)
Day 8 onward: D4,000 ($76)

Container dwell time limit

Import containers must be cleared within 25 calendar days of discharge
After 25 days, removed from port to the off-dock depot

Depot storage charges

Around D500 ($9.50) per TEU per day

Detention charges

Separate detention fees from shipping lines
Typically, $60-$100 per container per day
Applies after free time period post-pickup

Required import documentation/licenses/permits

Standard documents

Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Bill of Lading/Airway Bill
Import Permit/License (for regulated goods)
Certificate of Origin
Import Declaration Form (IDF)
Freight Insurance Certificate

Additional documents

Phytosanitary/Sanitary/Health Certificate (food, agriculture)
Radiation Certificate (radioactive materials)
CITES Certificate (wildlife trade goods)
Free Sale/Analysis Certificate for some goods
Import Code Certificate from Gambia Bureau of Statistics

Commercial invoice requirements

Correct HS codes for all goods
Detailed descriptions, quantities, weights
Values and currency
Incoterms and payment terms
Consignee/consignor names and addresses

Packing List Requirements

List of package contents and types
Descriptions, quantities, weights
Dimensions and package markings
Net and gross weights

General licenses and permits procedure

Identify regulating agency for goods
Compile required documents (supplier contracts, product details, etc.)
Submit import permit application with documents
Pay applicable fees
Wait for screening/processing and approval
Receive issued import permit/license
Some permits require extra inspections
Food/Agricultural permits (food safety, agriculture depts.):
Application with import contracts, supplier details
Product composition, labeling, test reports
Intended use, storage, distribution details
Fees around $75-$150 per permit
Validity typically 6-12 months, renewable
Pharmaceutical/Medical permits (medicines board):
Detailed product dossiers, test reports
Manufacturing facility and supplier audits
Permit fees around $300-$500 per product
Validity 1-3 years, renewals require a new application

Other regulated goods

Chemicals/Petroleum – Apply to NEA, Petroleum Commission
Vehicles – Dept. of Vehicle Registration
Arms/Ammo/Explosives – Ministry of Interior

Customs clearance process

Use of licensed customs clearing agent is required
Agent submits IDF (Import Declaration Form) in ASYCUDA
Provide all required documents and import permits
Pay applicable duties, taxes, and fees
Risk assessment by customs for inspection
Potential inspections – document checks, scanning, examination
If compliant, goods are cleared for release

Import duty rates

Most goods are 5.9% – 20% based on HS codes
Higher duties for some sectors like autos
Preferential rates under ECOWAS, other FTAs

Other taxes/fees

Environmental Tax – 0.5% of CIF value
Customs Processing Fee – 1.5% of CIF
ECOWAS Trade Levy – 0.5%
Customs penalties for infractions

Inspections

All imports subject to document screening
Risk criteria for non-intrusive inspections (scanning)
Physical inspection of random/high-risk shipments
Sampling and testing of food, chemicals, etc.
Port/Terminal operations

Sea ports

Banjul Port

Main commercial gateway, 4 berths
Max draft 9.7m, 24/7 operations
Documentation cut-off 4 days prior to arrival
Limited container yards at the port
Banjul Ferry Terminal
Ro-Ro ferry services from Senegal
Certain cargo shipments accepted

Air cargo hub

Banjul Int’l Airport (BXU)

Main air gateway, basic cargo sheds
Cut-off times vary by airline (4-6 hrs. typical)
Limited storage facilities

Container operations

Containers typically moved to off-dock depots
Depots handle truck pickup/drop-off
Free time allowances of around 2-4 hours typical
Depot storage for longer dwell cargo

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

Agricultural/food products:

Groundnuts, cashew nuts – Export permit from Dept. of Agriculture
Fresh fruits, and vegetables – Phytosanitary certificate required
Fish/seafood products – Permit from Fisheries Department
Cereals, grains – Quality inspection certificate

Wood/forestry products:

Logs, timber, charcoal – Export license from Forestry Department
Handicrafts/carvings using tree bark/roots – CITES permit may be needed

Wildlife/Animal products:

Live animals – CITES export permit required
Raw hides/skins, animal trophies – Permit from Wildlife Conservation Dept.
Ivory, feathers, animal parts – Strict CITES regulations

Mineral products:

Sand, gravel, mineral ores/concentrates – Export permit required
Precious/semi-precious stones – Permit from the Geology Department

Re-exports:

Re-exports may require permits based on product type

Other products:

Scrap metals – Export permit from Ministry of Trade
Currency notes – Permit from Central Bank
Cultural artifacts/antiques – Permit from National Museum

Prohibited exports

Unprocessed logs, timber
Endangered wildlife species/products under CITES
Arms, ammunition, explosives

Restricted exports

Raw/unprocessed hides and skins
Certain crops may have quotas/bans
Customs and documentation requirements

Standard documents required

Commercial invoice
Packing list
Bill of lading/airway bill
Export permit/license (if applicable)
Certificate of origin
Export declaration form

Export declaration process

Obtain all required permits/licenses for goods
Exporter submits an export declaration in the ASYCUDA system
Upload/provide all documents to customs electronically
Pay any duties, taxes, or fees that apply
Customs reviews documents and may inspect cargo
If compliant, goods are given final clearance for export

Penalties for non-compliance

Administrative fines and penalties
Potential seizure of goods
Revocation of export licenses/privileges

Terminal/Port operations

Banjul port

Main commercial seaport, four berths
Handles the majority of maritime exports
Maximum draft of 9.7m, 24/7 operations
Documentation cut-off: 4 days prior to vessel ETA

Banjul ferry terminal

Ro-Ro ferry services to Senegal
Some export cargo accepted (containerized, break bulk)

Air exports

Banjul Int’l Airport (BXU) is the main air gateway

Export cargo reception, screening, and handling
Airline cut-off times vary (typically 4-6 hours prior to ETD)
Cold storage for perishable exports

Container operations

Limited container yards at Banjul Port
Most exports taken to off-dock depots
Around 10 calendar days free storage at depots
After free time, storage charges apply ($25-$50 per TEU/day)

Cargo handling and fees

Returning empty containers:
- Generally, 2-4 hours free time for drop off at depots
- After free period, detention fees are charged ($60-$100/day)

Export duties and taxes

Most exported goods exempt from duties
Some exceptions like mineral ores, timber, charcoal
May pay export duties up to 10%
No VAT or Excise Tax on exports
Processing fees around 1.5% of FOB value

Other charges

Port handling charges ($75-$150 per container)
Customs clearance fees
Ground rent and warehouse storage
Extra charges for reefers, hazardous cargoes
Documentation fees (certificates, inspections, etc.)
Administration fees, stamp duties, security charges

Borderless Across Africa

Seamless cross-border Shipping to and from Gambia

Limark Gambia is your trusted partner for seamless shipping to and from Gambia. With a deep understanding of the local market and a proven track record of success, we facilitate the smooth flow of your goods across borders. Whether you’re exporting Gambian specialties like groundnuts or cashew nuts, or importing essential supplies, our expertise ensures reliable and efficient cargo handling.

Navigating international trade can be complex, but Limark Gambia simplifies the process. Our experienced team offers end-to-end logistics solutions, managing everything from freight forwarding and customs clearance to warehousing and distribution. Let us handle the complexities of shipping while you focus on growing your business.

Get Expert Guidance

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