International Standards

Equatorial Guinea is very open to trade, with a trade to GDP ratio of 168.7%. The Government is working on reducing non-tariff barriers and customs duties, which are currently relatively high. Bureaucratic procedures and corruption are other major barriers to the good performance of trade and business in the country.

The main exports partners of Equatorial Guinea are China and the United States and its main import partners are Spain and China. 

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Every category of imported goods have to be accompanied by the following sets of documents:

1. Household goods and electronics:

- Copy of Passport; 

- Packing list in French or Spanish; 

- Original Bill of Lading (OBL) / Air Waybill (AWB); 

- Detailed valued inventory in French or Spanish, dated, and signed by the shipper; 

- Invoices for all electrical items less than 6 months old;

- Original Certificate of Transfer;

- Insurance.

2. Motor Vehicles:

- OBL / AWB ;

- Commercial Invoice;

- Sale certificate;

- Insurance documents;

- Car registration certificate.

3. Food and beverages:

- Commercial Invoice; 

- Bill of Lading/ Airway Bill;

- Phytosanitary or health certificate where required;

- Customs Declaration.

4. Furniture:

- Commercial invoice; 

- Packing list;

- Copy of Ocean/Airway Bill of Lading.

Note: Weapons, Explosives and Ammunition are prohibited from entering the country without permission. 

LABELING REGULATIONS

According to the Equatorial Guinea’s legislation, the outer packages should bear the consignee and port mark as well as should be numbered (according to packing list) unless their contents can be otherwise readily identified.

Labels on the products must have the following information:

- product and brand names;

- production and expiration dates;

- country of origin;

- name of the manufacturer;

- net weight in metric units;

- list of the ingredients and additives in descending order of importance;

- all fats and oils used as ingredients must be specifically identified on the label and be in French or Spanish.

COMMERCIAL INVOICE

No prescribed form and a minimum of two copies are required. The invoice must include:

- the name and address of seller (supplier) and consignee;

- the date of the invoice and purchase;

- the number, type and gross weight of packages;

- the kind and quality of goods;

- an invoice price for each item (showing freight and insurance separately);

- discounts and rebates;

- conditions of payment;

- terms of sale and delivery;

- the date the invoice was prepared and the contract signed.

Many importers are authorised to use a Simplified Declaration Procedure (Immediate Release System) and may have special requirements about the presentation of invoice data. Veterinary certificates and/or plant protection certificates are required for agricultural products and foodstuffs.