International moves are certainly exciting, but they also demand much preparation, paperwork, and research! If you are moving to Gabon, read on for customs information and helpful tips on the required documents, regulations and restrictions for importing goods to this African nation!
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
When moving overseas, there are
documents essential to gain entry and establish permanent residency. When planning your international move to Gabon, you should enlist customs brokering services from your international moving company to help you gather the paperwork necessary to clear customs and successfully relocate.
When moving to Gabon, you will need:
- Passport (copy)
- Residence visa/ work permit or letter from employer
- Certificate of change of residence (from city hall at origin)
- International vaccination certificate -(with proof of yellow fever inoculation)
- Bill of Lading/Air Waybill (original)
- Comprehensive valued inventory -(three copies in French, dated and signed by owner)
- Packing list
- Attestation Reservation de cale
- Power of attorney (providing authority to Destination Agent to arrange customs clearance on customer's behalf)
- Non-sale certificate (stating client will not sell imported goods while in Gabon)
- Bordereau d’identification de cargaison (cargo tracking note for all sea shipments)
SHIPPING REGULATIONS
If you are moving to Gabon permanently, you may import both personal effects (clothing, jewelry, toiletries) and household effects (furniture, rugs, linens, bedding, dishes, other furnishings) under certain conditions:
- Used household goods and personal effects are duty free if they have been owned and used by the customer for at least six months
- All household goods and personal effects are duty free if customer has lived abroad for at least one year
- All new items less than six months old are subject to taxes
- All shipments are levied a RUSID tax of 2 percent of the assessed CIF value
- All goods must be imported within six months of customer's arrival in Gabon
- Goods may not be sold, lent or otherwise disposed of during stay
- All documents must be provided to the Destination Agent at least 15 days prior to shipment's of shipment to be eligible for duty free clearance
- Only one air and one surface shipment permitted per family
PROHIBITED ITEMS
In Gabon, the following items are prohibited for importation:
- Narcotics and illegal drugs
- Pornography and subversive material
- Poisonous substances
- Edible oils
- Sugar
- Explosives and weapons
RESTRICTED ITEMS
Some articles require special authorization and/or the payments of duties and taxes to clear Gabonese customs. These items include, but are not limited to:
- Appliances and electronics (must be more than six months old)
- Personal computers (should be shipped separately, taxed and dutiable)
- Firearms and ammunition (require a permit from the Ministry of Home Affairs, application should be received at least three months prior to arrival)
- New items less than six months old (require invoices, are taxed and dutiable)
- Tobacco (200 cigarettes or 250 grams of loose tobacco permitted duty free, only women may import cigarettes)
- Alcohol (must be sent separately, only alcohol categorized as Fond de cave is permitted and limited to 30 bottles)
MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
If you are planning to ship your car with you to Gabon, you will needs the services of international vehicle shippers with knowledge of overseas automobile shipping laws and customs regulations to transport your car for you without mishap. To import your vehicle into Gabon, it must meet these conditions:
- Vehicles are subject to high taxes and duties
- Vehicles are subject to tax of 53 percent of CIF value, assessed by customs
- Bill of Lading must show chassis and engine numbers, year of manufacture, brand and model
You will need the following documents:
- Original certificate of title and registration
- Original commercial/purchase invoice
- Driver's license
- International insurance policy (green card)
- Original Bill of Lading
PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS
Your pet is your most precious cargo, so you want to ensure he or she gets through customs without trouble. To successfully cross Gabonese borders with your furry friend, the requirements are:
- Quarantine is not required
- Certificate of vaccination including proof of rabies inoculation required
- Health certificate issued by licensed veterinarian less than three days prior to departure required
INTERNATIONAL MOVES
International moving is an intricate process, which is why it is so important to find trustworthy international movers. Before hiring any international moving company, be sure to ask these important questions to verify they are qualified for the job and can aid you in the customs process. Being knowledgeable and conducting a thorough background check on any potential company will protect you from falling victim to a common moving mistake.
Need help finding reliable international moving companies in your area? Get started here at Movers.com by simply filling out our fast and easy free quote form to receive estimates from up to seven qualified movers in your area to aid you in your exciting move to Gabon.
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