Shipping to and from Guinea Bissau

Limark in Guinea Bissau

Connecting Guinea Bissau across Africa and beyond

Providing you with expert navigation of Guinea’s trade lanes, connecting commodities to markets across Africa and beyond.

We are a leading shipping provider in Guinea-Bissau, specializing in the export of the nation’s key commodities — cashew nuts, timber, fish, and mineral resources to markets across Africa and beyond. However, we also facilitate the efficient on-forwarding of imports, ensuring the timely integration of essential goods into Guinea-Bissau’s economy.

Import regulations

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

Regulations and restrictions

Prohibited imports

Narcotic drugs except approved pharmaceuticals
Counterfeit products and pirated goods
Toxic and hazardous waste
Used clothing and undergarments
Pornographic and immoral materials
Endangered wildlife species per CITES
Restricted imports requiring permits:
Alcoholic beverages over 24% ABV
Precious stones, gold, platinum
Encryption devices and technology
Telecommunications equipment

Relevant agencies

Guinea-Bissau Customs (Direcção Geral das Alfândegas)
Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Crafts
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
Ministry of Public Health
Environment Ministry (Conseil National pour l’Environnement)
National Security Services

Demurrage and detention

Free time allowances

Sea freight: 10 calendar days
Air freight: 5 calendar days

Demurrage charges after free time (per day)

20′ Dry Container: $30-45
40′ Dry Container: $50-75
20′ Reefer Container: $60-90
40′ Reefer Container: $90-130

Container detention charges (per day)

20′ Dry: $20-30
40′ Dry: $30-50
20′ Reefer: $40-60
40′ Reefer: $60-90

Long-term storage at ports around $150-250/20′ and $250-400/40′ per month.

Free time is calculated from the date of discharge. Charges apply per calendar day until removal. Possibility to extend storage period for a fee.

Required import documentation

Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Transport Document (Bill of Lading/Air Waybill)
Import Declaration
Import License/Permit (if required)
Certificate of Origin
Other certificates as required (inspections, tests, etc.)

Commercial invoice requirements

Detailed descriptions of goods, HS codes, quantities
Transaction value and currency
Terms of sale and payment
Full legal names and addresses of parties

Packing List shows package details like markings, weights, and dimensions.

Required certificates

Certificate of Origin showing country of manufacture
Phytosanitary Certificate for plants and agriculture
Veterinary Health Certificate for live animals
Free Sale Certificate for food and beverage items
Radiation reports for certain product categories

Import licenses and permits

General import license process

Register the company and obtain a tax ID number (NUIT)
Submit application to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry
General commercial license issued, valid for 1 year
Cost around $100-300

Regulated product permits

Food/Agricultural Imports: Permit from Agriculture Ministry
- Provide samples, test reports, ingredients
- Valid 6 months to 1 year
Medicines/Pharma: Registration and Import Visa from Health Ministry
- Dossier evaluation process
- Quantities approved for 1 year periods
Other permits from Environment and security ministries as required
- Permit fees $100-$1,000+ depending on product

Customs clearance process

Submit all documents to Customs at least 48 hours before arrival:

Invoice, packing list, import declaration
Licenses, certificates, permits if required

Pay applicable taxes/fees to Customs in advance:

Import duty (0-20% based on HS code)
15% Value Added Tax
0.5% ECOWAS Trade Levy
Computer/Processing fees
Inspection fees (2-3% of CIF value)

Customs verifies documents and inspections as required

Scanning of containers
Physical examinations
Possible sampling/testing

If compliant, “Billet de Sortie” issued for removal
Terminal handling charges paid at the port/airport
Restricted goods need import permits approved first

Port/Terminal operations

Seaport

Bissau port

Main commercial port
Documentation cut-off at least 48 hours prior to arrival
7 calendar days of free storage for containers

Air cargo

Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau)

Main air freight gateway
Cut-off 4 hours prior to arrival
3 calendar days of free storage

Both facilities have container yards, cargo handling equipment, and scanning units.

General operating hours are 8am-4pm Monday-Friday.

Special handling requirements must be arranged in advance.

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

Cashew nuts, cashew kernels, and other cashew products
Wood products including logs, lumber, processed wood
Fish and seafood products
Live animals and hides, skins, leather products
Agricultural commodities (peanuts, rice, palm oil, fruits, vegetables)
Precious minerals (gold, diamonds) and metals
Cultural property and antiquities

Prohibited exports

Unprocessed logs and timber from natural forests
Hazardous waste and toxic materials
Counterfeit trademarked goods and pirated copyright items
Narcotic drugs except approved pharmaceuticals
Ivory, skins, products from protected CITES species
Weapons, explosives, and military equipment without authorization

Restricted exports requiring permits

Rough diamonds (Kimberley Process certification mandatory)
Nuclear materials including uranium and radioactive sources
Controlled dual-use goods with potential military applications
Encrypted devices and telecommunication technology

Relevant authorities

Guinea-Bissau Customs (Direcção Geral das Alfândegas)
Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Crafts
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
Ministry of Fisheries
Ministry of Environment and Biodiversity Conservation
Ministries of Defense, Interior

Customs and documentation

equired documents

Commercial/Freight Invoice
Packing List
Bill of Lading/Airway Bill
Export Declaration (DU form)
Export License/Permit (if required for the product)
Certificate of Origin
Other certificates as applicable (phytosanitary, inspection, etc.)

Commercial Invoice requirements

Detailed descriptions of goods, HS codes, quantities
Transaction values and currency
Terms of sale/delivery (Incoterms)
Full legal names and addresses of parties
The Packing list shows each package’s contents, markings, weights, and dimensions.

Required certificates

Certificate of Origin
Phytosanitary/Health Certificates for plants, agriculture, animals
Kimberley Process Cert for rough diamonds
Weight/Quality inspection reports for minerals, commodities
Treatment/Fumigation certs for certain agriculture exports

Export declaration process

Obtain Tax ID number/NUIT and register as an Exporter
Submit Export Declaration (DU) with all documentation minimum 48 hours before shipment
Pay any duties, taxes, or fees levied
Goods go through examination by Customs – inspection, scanning, weighing
If compliant, an Exit Note (Sair Note) issued allowing export

Terminal/Port operations

Main port

Bissau port

Largest commercial seaport
Handles about 80% of exports
Documentation cut-off minimum 48 hours prior to loading
Free storage for 5-7 calendar days for export containers

Air exports

Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau)

Main air cargo gateway
Cut-off 4 hours prior to departure
3 calendar days free storage

Both facilities have container yards, cargo handling gear, and scanning equipment.

General operating hours are 8am-4pm Monday-Friday.

Advance notice is required for special cargoes like reefers or oversized ones.

Cargo handling and fees

Return of empty containers

Most shipping lines allow 10-14 calendar days free time
If late, detention charges around $25-40/20′ and $40-70/40′ per day
Can extend the return period for an additional fee

Export duties and taxes

No duties levied on most exported goods
0.5% ECOWAS Trade Levy
1% ERPC (Export Resource Promotion Charge)
VAT exemption for exports if proper documentation provided
Some export taxes/royalties apply for minerals (3-5% of value)

Terminal handling charges

$125-250 per container for export handling
Additional fees for reefers, dangerous goods, oversized/heavy cargoes
Higher costs of services like stuffing are required

Most shipping lines require security deposits per container, refundable after return.

Expertise You Can Trust

Seamless cross-border shipping to and from Guinea Bissau

Non-compliance with local regulations can cripple your operations with costly delays. Limark simplifies your Guinea-Bissau shipments through our unparalleled expertise in customs procedures and extensive global network, ensuring compliant and efficient cargo movement.

Timely, predictable deliveries are vital for your success. Trust Limark to guarantee reliable shipments, whether exporting Guinea-Bissau’s valuable resources or importing essential goods. Our meticulous planning, strategic partnerships, and streamlined processes often translate into substantial cost savings for your business.

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