Country Guide: Central African Republic

Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

• Copy of Passport
• Packing list
• Original Bill of Lading (OBL) – no Express Release / Air Waybill (AWB)
• Original valued inventory in French dated and signed by the shipper
• Invoices for all electrical items less than 6 months old
• Resident or Work Permit or letter from the employer (explaining the client is starting a new contract in Central African Republic)
• Non-sale Certificate (declaration on the honor that client will not sale his personal effects in Central African Republic  Bordereau de Suivi de Cargaison (BSC) / Cargo Tracking Note (CTN)

 

Specific Information

• The BSC / CTN is a compulsory document for all sea shipments going to the Central Africa Republic, which must be obtained at origin.
• All documents must be provided to agent prior to arrival of the shipment in order to apply and be granted duty free clearance prior to arrival of the shipment.
• A 1% import tax is levied for all personal effects shipment to Central African Republic equal to 1% of declared value.
• All shipments are checked by Customs

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

• Original Registration Card
• Shipper`s Driver’s License
• Original Purchase Invoice
• Non-sale Certificate
• Export Declaration (new cars)

 

Specific Information

• Taxes on vehicles will depend on age, power etc.
• The OBL must show chassis number, engine number, cubic capacity, year of manufacture, brand and model.

Pets

Documents Required

• Veterinary Health Certificate
• Vaccination Record

 

Specific Information

• Dogs and cats coming into the country require a Veterinary Certificate confirming the animal’s prior vaccination against rabies.

Restricted/Dutiable Items

• Firearms and ammunitions must be declared prior to entry into the country (authorization from the territorial administration required)
• Cameras, film and currency must be declared prior to entry into the country
• Tobacco products (2 kg), cigarettes (1000), cigars (250), 77.5% CIF + VAT 18%
• New Electrical appliances 80% CIF + VAT 18%
• Perfume (5 bottles)
• Computer, 80% CIF + VAT 18% (also applies to diplomatic shipments)
• Vehicles, between 48% to 78% according to power of the car + VAT 18% (0.5% CIF for diplomatic shipments)
• Alcohol, 67.5% CIF + VAT 18%
• Alcohol (only “Fond de Cave”) is acceptable and duty free (max 20 bottles)

Prohibited Items

• Narcotics and Illegal Drugs
• Alcohol – must be sent separately and labeled as “Fond de Cave” (20 bottles)
• Pornography and subversive materials  Explosives

Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

 

 

 

Helpful Website(s):

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1085.html

http://www.embassy.org/embassies/cf.html