International Standards

Standards and technical regulations 

Guinea-Bissau lacks a national regulatory framework for standardization and quality management. Some basic standards for the harvesting, drying and packaging of cashew nuts were introduced by Decree-Law No. 01/2001 of 18 April 2001. The Directorate of Standardization and Quality Promotion Services (Direcçao de serviços de normalização e promoção da qualidade - DSNPQ) is the national enquiry point for technical barriers to trade. 

There is an effort to harmonize accreditation, certification and standardization within the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU). The harmonization of the national regimes is supported by the West African Accreditation System –SOAC, the Regional Standardization, Certification and Quality Promotion Agency – NORMCERQ, and the West African Metrology System - SOAMET. 

Sanitary and phytosanitary measures

Guinea-Bissau is experiencing difficulties with sanitary and phytosanitary protection, at both legislative and institutional levels. The country does not have an operational SPS enquiry point. The lack of an operational SPS system and the inadequate infrastructure are two of the main constraints on the development of Guinea-Bissau's trade. 

Packaging, marking and labelling requirements

According to the authorities, Guinea-Bissau has no specific packaging, marking and labelling regulations. 

Import prohibitions

There are import prohibitions on the following products:

- alcoholic beverages with an alcoholic strength of more than 60 degrees

- distilled beverages containing noxious essences or chemicals (absinthe, benzoic aldehyde, salicylic esters, hyssop, etc.)

- drugs and narcotics

- medicines and foods harmful to health

- counterfeit products

- foodstuffs containing saccharin

- animals, animal products, plants and plant material from infected areas. 

Preshipment inspection and customs valuation

According to the authorities, there is no programme for the systematic examination of imports, before shipment or at destination; clearance is not subject to the production of an examination certificate. However, there are mandatory controls on exports of raw cashew nuts. 

Import documents

In conformity with WAEMU rules, a customs declaration is required for goods under any customs procedure, at both importation and exportation; exemption from import duties and taxes does not release the goods from this obligation. 

The documents required for customs procedures are:

- licence to engage in foreign tradebill of lading

-  purchase invoice

- freight invoice

- insurance certificate

- export declaration made out in the country of origin

- certificate of origin

- phytosanitary certificate