International Standards

Chad is a member of the main regional economic communities: the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC), the Economic Community of Central African states (ECCAS) and the Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD). 

The Directorate General of Customs and Indirect Taxes is one, responsible for International Trade Standards in the country.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

The following documents must be filed with the Ministry of Economy, Commerce, and Tourism prior to importation of goods:

1. Commercial Invoice

Four copies, preferably in French or with a French translation and description of the goods.  All invoices must contain the names of the exporter(s), consignee(s), the product name(s), quantity of each unit, declared value of each unit,  gross weight, net weight, and total declared value.  

2. Certificate of Origin

Two copies, preferably in French or other language with the French translation.  The certificate of origin must be issued or notarized and certified by an official Chamber of Commerce in the country of the products origin, or by the local Chadian branch of the foreign Chamber of Commerce.  If applicable, the Chadian consulate in the manufacturing country could legitimize the certificate of origin.  

3. Packing list

Packing lists should include the number and quantity per carton, and be in numeric series.  A packing list is not required, but if it is missing, customs clearance may be delayed.

4. Bill of lading/airway bill 

Documents should include the name and address of the consignee/importer of the goods.  Identification numbers on bills of lading, airway bills, and invoices full and correct.  

5. Halal Certificate

Certificate that states that the fresh or frozen meat or poultry products were slaughtered in accordance with Islamic law. Certification by an appropriate Chamber of Commerce is required.  

6. Pharmaceutical Certificate

Special import certification may be required for pharmaceuticals.  CEMAC’s public health body, the Organization for Coordination of the Fight against Endemic Diseases in Central Africa (OCEAC), is overseeing the process of harmonization of national pharmaceutical policies.  A draft policy that defines the criteria for drug approval, pharmaceutical inspection, and quality control is currently under review.  Up-to-date health and pre-shipment inspection regulations are available at the Ministry of Public Health, Social Action, and National Solidarity. 

LABELING REQUIREMENTS

The label on the imported product has to contain the following information:

- Name and brand of product;

- Country of origin; 

- Name and address of the manufacturer;

- List of ingredients (including salt) and additives; 

- Nutrition and caloric value; 

- Allergenic ingredients and allergenic processing aids (gluten, soybean, peanuts, etc); 

- Net weight/volume (metric system); 

- Expiration date/shelf life; 

- Shelf life (if the product has a shelf life of less than three months, it must include the day/month/ year of expiration); 

- Products containing GMO s must be labeled accordingly.

PROHIBITED PRODUCTS

According to the Chad Customs legislation, the following products cannot be imported on the territory of the country:

- Arms and munitions;

- Pornography;

- Narcotics;

- Illicit drugs and explosives;

- Charcoal;

- Plastic bags (there is currently a ban on plastic bags in N’Djamena). 

MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS 

Some countries have strict regulations regarding how cars can be transported into the country and which cars are allowed to be imported. Here are the motor vehicle regulations for Chad:

- All new vehicles being imported into Chad are subject to tax and duty based on the value of the vehicle;

- All used vehicles are exempt from duty;

- Vehicles more than three years old are prohibited from being imported;

- Import tax on new vehicles is subject to the make, model, year and value of the vehicle, or up to 60 percent of CIF;

- The original Bill of Lading for motor vehicles imports must contain the follow information:

1. Chassis number;

2. Engine number;

3. Cubic capacity;

4. Year of manufacture;

5. Brand;

6. Model.

- The documents required for shipping a vehicle are:

1. Original title and registration;

2. Original commercial/purchase invoice;

3. Valid driver's license;

4. Import license (for new cars only);

5. Certificate of non-sale, stating that the customer has no intent on selling the vehicle.

CONTACTS

Directorate General of Customs and Indirect Taxes

144 Ndjamena, Tchad

Tel: (235) 22 51 54 94 / (235) 22 51 44 22 / (235) 22 51 90 82 / (235) 22 52 23 04

N'Djamena Airport Customs

Tel: (235) 22 52 56 14, (235) 22 52 35 19