Country Guide: Central African Republic
Updated: November 18, 2015
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