Shipping to and from Gabon

Import Demurrage

Freetime

Demurrage - Charges per calendar day after free time expires, applicable for both import and export (without vat).

Transit to GAPOG SD only

Freetime

Demurrage - Charges per calendar day after free time expires, applicable for both import and export (without vat).

Import Detention

Freetime starts on the 1st day after the container left the terminal.

Detention - Charges per calender day after freetime expires, applicable for both import and export (without vat).

Transit to GAPOG SD only

Freetime starts on the 1st day after the container left the terminal.

Detention - Charges per calender day after freetime expires, applicable for both import and export (without vat).

About the BIETC process

As of February 1992 implemented by Gabonese authorities, a waiver certificate also called BIC (Boredereau d'Identification des Cargaisons), BSC (Bordereau de Suivi de Cargaison), CTN (Cargo Tracking Note) or BIETC ( Bordereau d’identification electronique de tracabilite des cargaisons) is mandatory for all cargo entering and departing to and from Owendo port.

It is shipper responsibility to insure that this document is established from departure port by appointed agents. Before loading, shipper must presents to carrier a provisional BIETC bearing the number attributed.

Before or after vessel departure, the period agreed to get this provisional BIC signed and stamped varies following regions:

• AFRICA : 5 Days after vessel departure
• AMERICA: 15 Days after vessel departure
• ASIA : 10 Days after vessel departure
• EUROPE: 5 Days after vessel departure

It is then the responsibility of shipper to insure that, every single cargo leaving the country for final destination GABON, must have this document correctly filed, signed and stamped by the representative of Gabonese Council Carrier (CGC) abroad.

Fail to provide a BIETC before cutt off ot origin, cargo will be roll on next vessel and Rolling charge (where applicable) will be at shipper expense.

In case of loading without BIETC, cargo can be retain on board ,send back to origin at shipper expense.

In case of discharged without BIETC , all fine received from authority meaning 150% of the amount of the freight declared by shipper will have to be cleared before cargo release.

Note:

List of CGC agents can be found on same CGC site or attached the one received in OCTBER 26th 2016:

BIETC is issued electronically by CGC, their site is: cgcworld

About the PROGEC process

Effective date: commodity ordered from 20/05/2016

The Agence Gabonaise de Normalisation (AGANOR) has implemented a new product Conformity Assessment Programme for the control of regulated products imported to Gabon.

The objective of the PROGEC is to ensure that all imports of regulated products comply with the approved Gabonese technical regulations, (i.e. Gabonese or other approved international standards), prior to shipment.

The Agence Gabonaise de Normalisation (AGANOR) is mandated to undertake measures for quality control of products and to promote standardisation in industry and commerce.

The requirements for CAP include:

• Every consignment of imported goods which contains regulated products must be accompanied by a Certificate of Conformity issued by Intertek.
• The Certificate of Conformity is required to ensure smooth Customs clearance of shipments in Gabon.
• The Certificate of Conformity confirms that the products comply with the relevant Gabon technical regulations and approved standards.
• The authorities in Gabon may take random samples from imported consignments to verify compliance.
• Additional details on the CAP procedure and a list of Regulated Products currently requiring Conformity Certification are available from the Resources section of this website.
• Intertek is authorised by AGANOR to issue the mandatory Certificates of Conformity to exporters.

Do I Need A Certificate Of Conformity To Trade With Gabon?

Exporters/Importers trading with Gabon need to comply with the requirements of the Agence Gabonaise de Normalisation (AGANOR) Conformity Assessment Programme to Standards Programme known as PROGEC in order for their goods to clear Customs. Failure to do so can result in severe delays in goods clearance or even shipments being returned.

The PROGEC has been implemented to assure Gabonese consumers of the quality and safety of imported goods and to facilitate trade. "Regulated Products" within the programme require a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) which verifies, in the respective exporting countries, that the products comply with the applicable technical regulations and mandatory standards or approved equivalent International / National Standards.

The full list of regulated products can be found within the Resources Section of this website.

Products covered but not limited to include:

• Toys
• Electrical and Electronic
• Health and Medical / Surgical Instruments & Appliances
• Personal Care / Cosmetics
• Automotive Parts
• Chemical Products
• Mechanical material and gas appliances
• Industrial Machinery
• Building / Construction Materials
• Protective Safety Equipment
• Used Products

If the products you are exporting to Gabon fall within the Regulated Product List you will require a Certificate of Conformity in order to clear customs.

Guns: Guns importation is strictly prohibited.

Explosives, Pyrotechnic: Explosives and Pyrotechnic needs approval of defense department. As soon as approval got from authorities, Import department must be informed to organize the delivery as such cargo can not be discharged and kept on terminal.

Used cars above Ten (10) years old: This concerns vehicles of all categories (A, B, C, D, E, F), the age being calculated from the date of first registration and sold in second hand market. This includes cars for personal use, commercial purpose, vehicles for yards (bulldozer, caterpillar, forklift, etc ) and vehicle parts than can be reassembled.

Sugar: Importation of sugar is strictly reserved for customer SUCAF. No other consignee is allowed to perform Importation to Gabon.