Shipping to and from Guinea

Limark in Guinea

Connecting Guinea across Africa and beyond

As a prominent Guinean shipping provider, we draw upon our vast network and in-depth market knowledge to facilitate frictionless cargo movement. Our proficiency encompasses the export of Guinea’s valuable resources – bauxite, iron ore, diamonds, and agricultural products – to markets across Africa and the globe.

We understand Guinea’s strategic role as a nexus for vital imports, channeling the flow of essential equipment, raw materials, and consumer goods from around the world. Limark Guinea guarantees the dependable distribution of these imports nationwide, ensuring their smooth assimilation into the Guinean economy.

Import regulations

Importing goods to Guinea 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 items and pirated goods
Hazardous wastes and toxic substances
Used clothing and undergarments
Pornographic and immoral materials
Endangered wildlife and CITES species
Restricted imports requiring permits:
Ethyl alcohol and alcoholic beverages
Precious metals, diamonds, gemstones
Encryption and telecommunication devices
Remote sensing and surveillance equipment

Relevant agencies

Guinea Customs (Direction Générale des Douanes)
Ministry of Commerce
Ministry of Agriculture
Ministry of Health/National Hygiene Institute
Environmental Ministry
National Security/Defense Ministries

Demurrage and detention

Free time periods

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

Demurrage charges after free time (per day)

20′ Dry Container: $30-40
40′ Dry Container: $50-70
20′ Reefer Container: $50-80
40′ Reefer Container: $80-120

Container detention charges (per day)

20′ Dry: $20-30
40′ Dry: $30-50
20′ Reefer: $50-70
40′ Reefer: $70-100

Long-term storage is available at ports for $150-300/20′ and $200-400/40′ per month.

Free time is calculated from the container discharge date. Charges apply per calendar day until removal from port. Extensions may be granted for fees.

Required import documentation

Commercial/Freight Invoice
Packing List
Bill of Lading/Air Waybill
Import Declaration (IM4 or IM8 Form)
Import License (if required)
Certificate of Origin
Other certificates per product (inspections, tests, etc.)

Commercial invoice requirements

Detailed goods descriptions, HS codes, quantities
Transaction values and currency
Terms of sale (Incoterms)
Seller and buyer names/addresses

Packing List shows package types, markings, weights, and measurements.

Required certificates

Certificate of Origin showing country of manufacture
Phytosanitary Certificate for plants/agriculture
Veterinary Health Certificate for live animals
Free Sale Certificate for food items
Radiation Test Report for certain goods

Import licenses and permits

Obtaining a general import license

Register the company with tax authorities and obtain NUIC number
Submit application to the Ministry of Commerce with details
License issued and valid for 1 year, renewable annually
Cost around $100-300

For regulated products

Food/Agriculture Imports: Import Permit from Ministry of Agriculture
- Provide product samples, test reports, ingredients
- Permits valid 6 months-1 year
Medicine/Pharma Imports: Registration and Import Visa from Health Ministry
- Requires product dossier evaluation
- Valid for set quantities for 1-year periods
Other permits from Environment and security ministries as required
- Permit costs $100-1,000+ based on product

Customs clearance process

At least 48 hours prior to arrival, the importer submits all documents to Customs:

Commercial invoice, packing list, import declaration
Any required licenses, certificates, permits

Pay applicable duties/taxes to Customs in advance:

Import duty (0-27% based on HS code)
18% Value Added Tax
ECOWAS Community Levy (0.5% of CIF value)
Computer Fees (0.25%)
Pre-shipment Inspection Fees (2.5% of CIF value)

Customs conducts verification and examination as required

Scanning of containers
Physical inspection
Possible sampling/testing

If compliant, Customs issues an Import Permit (BAE) for removal
Pay terminal handling charges to the port/airport
Restricted goods require import permits approved first

Port/Terminal operations

Sea ports

Conakry Terminal

Main port, located in the capital
4 berths for containers and bulk
Documentation cut-off at least 48 hours before arrival
7 calendar days of free storage for containers

Kamsar port

Dedicated port for mining/exports (bauxite, alumina)
More limited container handling capabilities

Air cargo

Gbessia International Airport (Conakry)

Main air cargo hub
Cut-off 4 hours prior to arrival
3 calendar days free storage

Both ports have cargo handling equipment, scanning facilities, container yards, and warehousing. Operating hours Monday-Friday 8am-4pm generally.

Advance notice is required for specialized handling like reefers or oversized/heavy cargoes. On-dock storage is limited, so merchants should have timely pickup arrangements.

Export regulations

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

Regulations and restrictions

Products requiring export licenses/permits

Precious minerals – gold, diamonds, bauxite, iron ore
Agricultural commodities – cashew nuts, coffee, peanuts, palm oil
Wood and forestry products including logs and lumber
Live animals and animal products (meat, hides, skins)
Fish and seafood products
Industrial products/chemicals like cement, fertilizers
Cultural property and antiquities

Prohibited exports

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

Restricted exports requiring permits

Rough diamonds (Kimberley Process certification required)
Nuclear materials including uranium and radioactive sources
Controlled products with potential military/dual-use applications

Relevant authorities

Guinea Customs (Direction Générale des Douanes)
Ministry of Mines and Geology
Ministry of Agriculture
Ministry of Environment
Forestry and Water Resources Ministries
Bank of Guinea (for precious minerals/metals)

Customs and documentation

Required documents

Commercial/Freight Invoice
Packing List
Bill of Lading/Air Waybill
Export Declaration Form (FU)
Export Permit/License (if required for a product)
Certificate of Origin
Other certificates – inspection, phytosanitary, etc.

Commercial Invoice requirements

Detailed description of goods, HS codes, quantities
Transaction value and currency of sale
Terms of sale/delivery (Incoterms)
Full names and addresses of seller and buyer
The Packing list shows each package’s contents, markings, weights, and measurements.

Certificates

Certificate of Origin showing country of manufacture/export
Phytosanitary/Health Certs for plants, agriculture, animals
Kimberley Process Certification for rough diamonds
Radiation test reports for applicable materials
Weight/Quality Inspection Certs for mining products
Treatment/Fumigation Certs for some agriculture exports

Export declaration process

Obtain Tax Identification Number and register as Exporter
Submit completed Export Declaration (FU) with all docs a minimum of 48 hours before shipment
Pay any applicable duties, taxes, or fees levied on the export
Goods go through examination by Customs – inspection, scanning, weighing
If compliant, Customs issues an Exit Note/Export Permit allowing removal

Terminal/Port operations

Conakry Terminal

Largest port, 4 deep water berths for containers/bulk
Handles approx. 80% of Guinea’s exports
Documentation cut-off at least 48 hours prior to loading
Free storage for 5-7 calendar days for export containers

Kamsar port

Dedicated bulk port for bauxite, iron ore, and mining exports
More limited container handling operations

Air exports

Gbessia International Airport (Conakry)
The main airport for Guinea’s air freight exports
Documentation cut-off 4 hours prior to departure
3 calendar days of free storage for export cargo

Both ports have full container yards, scanning equipment, and cargo handling gear. General operating hours are 8am-4pm Monday-Friday.

Advance notice is required for specialized containers like reefers or oversized/heavy cargoes. Secure trucking arrangements are advised for timely

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
Possibility to extend the return period for a fee

Export duties and taxes

Most exported goods exempt from duties
0.5% ECOWAS Trade Levy
0.25% BCRG fee to Central Bank
18% VAT, though exemptions if proper export documentation provided
Royalties of 3-5% levied on mining exports like bauxite, gold

Terminal handling charges

$125-250 per container for export handling charges
Extra fees for reefers, dangerous goods, oversize cargoes
Costs are higher if additional services like stuffing required

Shipping lines typically require security deposits per container, refundable after return.

Expertise You Can Trust

Seamless cross-border shipping to and from Guinea

Navigating Guinea’s trade landscape as it evolves can be challenging. Failure to comply with regulations can result in costly delays and penalties. However, with Limark, you can simplify your Guinean shipments. Our extensive expertise in cross-border logistics, combined with our deep knowledge of the local industry, assures you of seamless and compliant cargo movement from origin to final destination.

We understand that timely and predictable shipping is essential for your Guinean operations. Limark delivers reliability you can count on, backed by a proven on-time delivery record in Guinea. Our streamlined processes, strategic partnerships, and meticulous planning can help translate into cost savings for your business. Get in touch with us today and experience the Limark advantage in the Guinean trade.

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